DEFINITION OF FRESH

The new album from Chicago native Neak , "Paura/Amore" , is now available for stream/purchase via iTunes ! Executive produced by well-renowned Chicago producer/artist Rashid Hadee , Neak TAKES his musical prowess to higher heights. Working alongside frequent collaborators like Slot-A to teaming up with New Retro Wave production crew PowercuT , Neak's "sound evolution" bespeaks substantial growth and maturing as a recording artist. 'Paura/Amore' ( translation from Italian to English: Fear/Love ) is designed to reveal the multitudes that Neak embodies--from the human, emotional, and spiritual. Features include GLC , Rashid Hadee , MATHIEN , Rizzo , Sincerely Yours , F.A.B.L.E. , and NidaNasheeda . Featured producers and musicians include: Rashid Hadee , Slot-A , PowercuT , MATHIEN , Thunderclaw , Official Konseps , Sam Trump (of Sidewalk Chalk ), George Wundsam (of Deep Fayed ), Rachael Wogz , and Jo Conley . ***Thanks to Slot-A for sending

Brampton rapper Spitty has created an absolute banger in his new track Super Saiyan , produced by Jaye Bradley .  Stream & Download below!!!

Seattle artist Saga Breeze sends his newest single, "Heads Up, 7 Fucks" .  The track is produced by Pirooz Beats .  Stream the track below!!!

Mitch L. Hennessy and Dichter2Productions ( Germany ) link up for the first time and the results is the track "Stronger" , cuts by Cool FD ( France ). ***Thanks to Mtich L. Hennessy for sending*** Stronger by Mitch L. Hennessy

“Long Way to Go” is the powerful new single from Boston’s own Blak Madeen , who are gearing up to release their new album, Supreme Aftermath . The track features a sharp guest verse from living rap legend, Gift of Gab (of Blackalicious ). The chorus is supplied by rising singer-songwriter Cyrus DeShield . ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Nolan The Ninja sends the video is for his track, "gusto." (featured on his newest project, f-ck the hype. )...As usual, the 23-year Detroit emcee & producer displays intense rhymes assisted by raw & high-level energy! The clip is directed by RTS as well, who also shot "F-ck The Whack" back in 2013 (clearly, Nolan's most notable video). f-ck the hype (EP) : BUY: http://apple.co/1LukpVg  STREAM: http://bit.ly/fuckthehype

iStillLoveHER sends the visual to "Freedom Or Death" by South Carolina duo the Savage Brothers , produced by the Hitfarmers . Video directed & filmed by DJ Illegal . Edited by Gigo Flow . Savage Brothers new album Freedom Or Death : iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fre... Bandcamp : https://snowgoons.bandcamp.com/album/... CD Europe : http://obc-ya.com/en/snowgoons/178-sa... HHV : http://www.hhv.de/shop/en/item/savage... UGHH : http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/sava...

So you put out what you believe to be a dope project, took the time to market it and in rolls the criticism and from fans at that. In this week's podcast Str8OutDaDen discusses accepting criticism from fans and ask the age old question...should you or nah? After breaking down exactly what criticism is, we talk the importance of being criticized, how to use that criticism to your advantage and more. This one is short and sweet, but hopefully its just enough to get you through the trolls on Twitter and the people who really have your best interest in mind. ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Golden Age Babies sends the debut EP by Oliver Jones entitled ‘The Dilla Sessions’ . The EP consists of 10 tracks with Oliver Jones going over some classic beats from the Legendary J Dilla . With no features this tape see’s Oliver taking it back to golden era of hip hop with nothing more than dope beats and hard bars. With some well known and some obscure beats the EP will quench your thirst for new Dilla material As well as the EP being up for free download on the GAB Bandcamp/site you will also be able to make donations and buy a limited edition tape of the EP, with all proceeds going towards ‘The J Dilla Foundation’ . The J Dilla Foundation helps fund music programs for the inner city and provide scholarships to students who are studying at schools with progressive music curricula. This will all come to end with a live show scheduled for 05/02/16 , two days before Dilla’s birthday, with the profit from the show also being donated to the foundation. Head over to www.jd

Hip Hop producer that goes by the name Noha AKA Dr. No sends his 5 song EP titled ‘Tha Doc Knows Best’ .  The album features rappers Halfy from the bay area, Minnesota’s Mini-Pops and Khaya Cohen ( X Factor top 10 finalist ) on vocals. They are all NYU students and the album was recorded entirely in a dorm room ( same building where Rick Rubin founded Def Jam Records ).  Stream below!!!

Warsaw, Poland producer Tuelv sends a new record he produced for his longtime collaborator, emcee J.Nolan from Connecticut/New Haven, residing in Atlanta. The track is called "In The Stars" and also features live saxophone played by respected Atlanta jazz musician Eric Thomas . Stream & Download below!!!

J57 released his artist, Mean Joe Scheme 's debut (free) album "You Gotta Watch" via his new label: Five Seven Music ! The LP features BBAS members, J57 , Koncept and more! ***Thanks to BBAS for sending***

Dominique Larue is ending 2015, and setting up 2016 as she means to go on, with a brand new video and single titled "Ultimate" taken from her upcoming Dub MD presented EP "Blitzkrieg" due for release sometime in 2016, shortly after the collaboration LP with producer J. Rawls titled "Almost There" which drops early next year. ***Thanks to Dub MD for sending***

Oeaux Neal , Mauley Sincyr , and the Landlord are New Orleans trio MadeGroceries , presenting the Writers Bloc -directed music video for "That Yeah" , their new TRXVISL -produced single featuring singer and fellow Nola native Ambre Perkins . ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending*** Listen: https://soundcloud.com/madegroceries/... Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1062...

Atlanta hip hop duo, ILLClinton sends a new cut from their upcoming 2016 project, ILLClinton Era . The hard-hitting effort, entitled "Oh Foreal" is a perfect introduction to the highly dynamic duo. With Blake Belair behind the jazzy, 808-driven production and Brennan rocking the mic with a lyrical prowess unmatched to most, this is a very good listen. Hip-hop in the south is alive and well.

For his first project in over two years, Nelson delivers his most cohesive, refined effort to date in the SevenYe EP. The EP is produced by noname , ColdCutts and AAYU with guest features, which includes Speak! getting filthy on “CoolRunnings” and Kyle Rapps dishing boozy bars on “LostTouch” .  SevenYe is out now via RRCB. ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Bronx, NY emcee Mélan sends a raw introduction of herself on one of her influences, Queen Latifah ’s "U.N.I.T.Y" beat, creating the acronym "M.I.L.L¡Y" meaning Music Is Literally Living in You .  Stream the track below!!!

Atlanta rapper Skinny-C presents his new single "Couldn't Feel Better" . Produced by Young Buck collaborator BeatGodz, "Couldn't Feel Better" is the lead single from Never Hungry Always Thirsty Vol. 2: Back For Seconds , his new album featuring Monsta Luther King , Loc Barz , F1Phat , Skolar B , Shod Cooley , and Holly Crew as well as production from Nobody Famous , SMKA , and On A Heist . ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

The Bridge Promotion sends the second single from the Los Angeles, CA emcee F.Y.I. 's new EP "Age/Sex/Location" . Stream the track below!!! "Age/Sex/Location" EP on Bandcamp: http://fyipsalms.bandcamp.com/

This hand drawn animated video is the last thing that Norway's ForShow created before passing away. Known the world over for his art, photography & video directing skills, this video encompasses his limitless talent and passion. ForShow was given a few songs to create a video for and he chose THIS song. The track is "27 Years Old" by Jehuniko , produced by South Africa's Mr. Sakitumi , from the album "Bittersweet, Volume 2" . ***Thanks to Outstanding Media for sending*** "Bittersweet, Volume 2" : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bit...

Karolina Shine: An Old Kneegrow Spiritual is the debut single from Charleston, SC group Langston Hughes III ( LH3 ). ***Thanks to iStillLoveHER for sending*** Stream / Purchase Single: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1047227554?ls=1&app=itunes https://soundcloud.com/langston-hughes-iii/karolina-shine-an-old-kneegrow-spiritual

EESEAN BOLDEN MAKES NOTABLE IMPACT AS NEW VP OF A&R AT EPIC RECORDS The A&R Expert Is Being Recognized As The Go-to Strategist Who Creates Viral Sensations LOS ANGELES, CA (Dec. 18, 2015) – Eesean Bolden is making an influential impact in his new position as VP of A&R at Epic Records. The music industry expert is quickly being recognized as the go-to A&R who can identify and strategically create viral sensations in today’s digital world, hence his branded moniker “SeanDIDThat.” Bolden’s reputation precedes him after he left his mark as a significant force to be reckoned with as an executive at Capitol Records from 2011 until his recently move to Epic Records this year. He’s credited with playing a huge role in discovering and signing two-time Grammy nominee Mary Lambert who’s hit single “Secrets” went Gold, in addition to being involved with rapper Silento’s breakout single “Watch Me” selling over 5 million units worldwide and becoming the fastest growi

"Bitch, Who Asked You?" is the initial offering from Boston, Mass. rapper The Supervisor . Featuring production from Jack the Rapper , Don Def and Dro-Man . ***Thanks to iStillLoveHER for sending***

The Bridge Promotion sends the 2nd single featuring Fereaux ,  from Amsterdam producer Rose Leaves ' available "Soil EP" . Stream the track below!!!

iStillLoveHER sends ill Clinton 's "Presents: Vol. 2” , which is a collaborative project featuring soul and hip hop artists such as Muhsinah , Georgia Anne Muldrow , Jaguar Wright , Amma Whatt , Moses West , and The IGive .  Stream the project below!!! Tracklist 1. Amma Whatt & ill Clinton - "A Wish" 04:07 2. Muhsinah, The IGive, & ill Clinton - "Just Like Love" 03:00 3. Drasi Amor & ill Clinton - "Thank You" 04:00 4. Georgia Anne Muldrow, Moses West, & ill Clinton - "A Brother Like Ezell" 03:43 5. The IGive & ill Clinton - "Get Up" (All My People) 03:52 6. Moses West, Jaguar Wright, & ill Clinton - "Inspired" 03:02 7. Georgia Anne Muldrow, The IGive, & ill Clinton - "Be Dug" 03:11 8. DeTyme & ill Clinton - "What You Do" 03:11 9. The IGive & ill Clinton - "Bastard Black" 04:33 10. Moses West & ill Clinton - &q

DM360 sends the track "New Genre" by New York emcee Danny Matos . The track is the lead single off his forthcoming EP, The Hangar . The Hangar is now available for pre-order via iTunes for just $3.99, and becomes available on January 8th .

Cascade Records sends the visual to "Deep In Thought" by Dregs One & Ill Sugi featuring Equipto & L Roneous . Taken from the LP - Universal Language . Order the LP / Buy the track : iTunes : http://apple.co/1LlJ0yM / Bandcamp : http://bit.ly/1Rg2Hqv

International emcee Dikeh sends the visual for his track "My Territory" , from the album "Patrones de comportamiento" . The video is directed by MiniLandia Films .

Charlotte, NC songtress Emerald drops off her rendition of Drake + Future 's hit song that features Frenchiee .  Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to REUPSPOT for sending***

"The Speakeasy" is the second single from Rolled Gold 's debut compilation, "Salty" .  It features Philadelphia MC's Ai-Que & The Bul Bey , as well as the Bronx's own Visto . The full project will drop in January, and features a handful of other Philly, Bronx and Camden lyricists on a versatile selection of extra funky beats by Rolled Gold . ***Thanks to Rolled Gold for sending***

Cleveland,Ohio recording artist Phaze Jackso n teams up with fellow Cleveland artist J. Leshelle to bring you his newest single off of his forth coming album "Her" titled "Song For You (NTRSKRW)" .  Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to Phaze Jackson for sending***

FTRSNDMTRX sends the second single from the SVNTY6 produced album ORIGIIINS (Coming 2016). This album finds SVNTY6 moving away from sample based Hip Hop and creating his own original beats from scratch. This track features the superstar Aimz , from Sheffield UK.  Stream the track below!!!

"Long Way Home" is SYG 's 2nd full length project as a Christian Hip Hop Artist , much like "Under New Management" this project is heavily produced by Nu Vintage and follows SYG 's journey through his newfound faith. Stream & Download below!!! ***Thanks to SYG for sending*** Long Way Home by SYG

Never lacking creativity in this oversaturated industry of vapid, mediocre, atypical visuals, Own Lane Music brings you one of the first EVER interactive 360° music videos. M-Dot 's lyrically daunting, machine gun, multi syllabic "123 Flow" which seamlessly combines 360° Technology with art of multi-person replication for a new interactive viewer experience. ***Thanks to Revalation (EMS) for sending***  Get "123 Flow" on Itunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/123...

Tempe, Arizona rapper Mouse Powell presents the music video for "Heaven" , directed by Dalton Campbell . The track is produced by The Ref , Mouse's primary collaborator, who produced the entirety of Mouse's 2013 album These Are The Good Times ( listen ). ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending*** Buy Mouse Powell - "Heaven" on Itunes : http://apple.co/1Qq96QZ

Over the years I've heard several artist complain about not having a large enough budget to create a solid marketing campaign. Questions like "how do I market myself when I can't afford it?" Or PR firms are way too expensive, "how can I get around that?" Well during this week's episode of The Str8OutDaDen Podcast we completely crack the code on that myth and show you three ways creating a buzz without a budget is possible. We talk how to find money for a budget, the importance of getting family and friends involved and how to set up your own media day to attract blogs, tv shows and other media outlets to your music . - Str8OutDaDen ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Mr. J. Medeiros sends his track Hero as Fool , produced by Mr. J. Medeiros / Tim Stewart / Spanky McCurdy . Listen and pre-order "Milk and Eggs" record on Bandcamp: http://mrjmedeiros.bandcamp.com . Stream below!!!

Fresh HEIR sends the newest single from Philly's Coin$ co-starring the legendary Black Thought of The Roots . A Boom Bap 90's inspired track produced by Mizzy Beatz .

NorCal Nick sends the 3rd weekly release produced by D-Rock .

DM360 sends the track “RedEye” , the latest single from Harlem-repping artist Choo E. Lou , produced by Dee Aye . The track is taken from Choo E Loo 's upcoming mixtape, PPF: I'm Always Gettin' It . Stream the track below!!!

Psychedelic rap purveyor Nelson returns with fittingly smoked out visuals for his latest single, “CueTheHorns” , off the soon-coming SevenYe mixtape. SevenYe is set to drop on December 22nd via RRCB, and is now available for pre-order via iTunes . ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Fredwave is back with his debut visual "Kno Betta" , a menagerie of nocturnal fears, future aspirations, the push and pull of the unexpected, the fabric of what it feels like to grow up as a young person in London. The video, which is directed by Marco Grey . ***Thanks to Cannonball PR for sending***

Second single from Endless , the new Dj Brans album that will be released on January 15th in digital, CD and limited edition splatter vinyl. ***Thanks to EFFISCIENZ for sending***

Artist/producer duo, ILLClinton , hailing North of Atlanta, reimagine the Drake , Future , and Metro Boomin track, "Diamonds Dancing" .  Stream below!!! ***Thanks to ILLClinton for sending***

Emcee/producer Yinka Diz presents "Vegas" , his new single produced by David Bocuse . "Vegas" comes on the heels of the release of the music video for "Hear Me, Tho" ( watch ), single "Night In Dubai" ( listen ) and freestyle "Bobby" ( listen ). Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

Montreal-based rapper Argento , premiering his debut project Brick x Brick . Recorded at Cash Money Studios (The Hit Factory of Florida) in Miami over the course of several months, Brick x Brick is a short 6-song mixtape that serves as a precursor to Argento 's upcoming EP, tentatively slated for early 2016. ***Thanks to AMAG/LupoOne for sending ***

After premieres with Complex , Zane Lowe , Pitchfork & Noisey , PRhyme returns with “Wishin II” featuring Black Thought of the legendary Roots crew. ***Thanks to MAC Media for sending***

For this new Off Top episode, Brooklyn MC Your Old Droog visited Top Shelf Premium to freestyle over the classic Gravediggaz "Constant Elevation" instrumental produced by Prince Paul . ***Thanks to AWKWORD for sending*** Audio Produced by DJ J Hart ( http://www.iamjhart.com ) Directed/Filmed by Joshua Scott ( http://www.joshuascottphoto.com ) Edited by Ayyyyyyyj ( https://instagram.com/ayyyyyyyj/ )

The talented DMV artist, "E" The R&B Hip-Hop Rockstar ( @TheRockstar76 ), just dropped a dope new music video on us, "#TeamThicknCurvy" . ***Thanks to DMVLIFE.com for sending*** Single available for download at: http://apple.co/1JHRzyP ’

Houston, Texas rapper Skyler Jones presents "Bout The $" , his new single produced by Adot The God ( Bezz Believe , Taylor J ). Skyler was formerly in a group called The Classmates with fellow Houston rapper Travis Scott . Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

DoloLIFE Music sends the track "So Close" by Dolo Moretti , produced by Harlow , from his upcoming Lp titled 'Yolo Moretti' . Stream the track below!!!

Law G , from Good Life Music Group 's releases his first mixtape "Came A Long Way" . "Came A Long Way" is not only is true due to him coming all the way from Cameroon, Africa, but also significant to how far he has come as an artist. Executive produced by T Black the HitMaker and hosted by Bigga Rankin , DJ Scream , DJ Key , and DJ Fresh . ***Thanks to CSR Promotions for sending***

Durham, North Carolina rapper Young Brew presents his new single "Own" , a joint production by Raleigh's Hydro Beatz & Montreal's Yung Drilla . The track is hosted by Atlanta DJ Lil Keem .  Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

Boston’s own Rite Hook has returned with “The Road” , an equally gritty and catchy new single from the hard-nosed rapper destined to leave heads spinning with his whirlwind bars. At least, that’s what’ll happen once you hear the second verse on this track, which is a non-album leak off his upcoming next album, Modify . Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Gaithersburg, Maryland rapper/producer Kage Eheh presents the Chase/Guru Media -directed video for "Turn It Up" , the single from Resuscitation , his new self-produced album. ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending*** Click this link to Dl "Resuscitation" for free! Or purchase on Itunes :  http://www.iamkageeheh.com/#!resuscit...

Check out the video for Method Man featuring Raekwon and Inspectah Deck , "The Purple Tape" .  The fiyah track is produced by J57 (of the Brown Bag AllStars ). ***Thanks to the Brown Bag AllStars for sending***  Method Man - The Meth Lab Deluxe Fan Bundles & Merch https://methodman.bandcamp.com/ Vinyl http://amzn.com/B010B79A66 Digital http://smarturl.it/themethlabalbum

Jae Franklin has performed in over 20 countries from Ethiopia to Dubai. She has toured as a background vocalist for Grammy Award winner Melanie Fiona and eventually began performing at a host of reputable venues across the world as a solo artist. Her last single ‘Music & Love’ was premiered on Indie Shuffle and she is now looking to release her album, “Cheers to Life” which will be released in 2016 and features the lead single ‘Higher’ .  ***Thanks to Quite Great Communications for sending***

Since JSWISS has a fondness for soul, jazz and funk he took on a couple of instrumentals from the band Butcher Brown 's ( @butcherBRWN ) latest album "Grown Folks" . ***Thanks to JSWISS for sending***

NorCal Nick sends another weekly release produced by D-Rock .

SYG sends the first single and title track from his upcoming project "Long Way Home" , produced by Nu Vintage . The project "Long Way Home" is set to release Friday, December 18th .  Stream the track below!!!

Austin Maxfield sends the new song "Billboard" by Chicago's Mpulse , from the upcoming project, "Bulls Vs Sixers" . The track is produced by Keef Boyd .

Revalation of the Mass. rhyme collective EMS , sends the raw and gritty visuals to his single "This That Work" produced by French beatsmith, Cool FD . The single is off Revalation 's upcoming EP "Emergency Broadcast" coming 2016! Video directed by Greg Shot It Films (aka Tha Silent Partner ). Download the Single "This That Work" on Itunes (or Amazon , Google Music , etc.) - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/thi...

TYP-ILL returns with the visuals for “Let ‘Em Talk” , as featured on his hailed Veterans Day LP, produced entirely by Statik Selektah . Veterans Day is now available through every major digital retailer/streaming service, and can be purchased on CD, courtesy of Fat Beats .  The video, which Typ played a large role in producing, was both directed and edited by Hostage Media . ***Thanks to DM360 for sending*** ‘Veterans Day’ (iTunes): http://apple.co/1jSjX9Y

Earlier during the week J.Good (of Str8OutDaDen) received a text from a listener of the podcast who wanted to know what would be a good way to break the ice to new fans when he visits a new city. After some quick thinking, J. gave him a strategic way to engage with them without even speaking to them directly. How? Well in this week's episode Str8OutDaDen talk breaking the ice with new fans and broke down 3 quick ways to do so. Of course music is always number one to J. Good , but Str8OutDaDen also talked using social media and face-to-face interaction. You may want to grab a pen and pad for this one before hitting play. ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Multi-talented R&B artist LoVel follows up his successful, recently released Backseat Memories EP with “Mike Tyson” , a moody burner that’s sure to make an accommodating addition to your year end playlist.  Stream & Download the track below!!! ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***