DEFINITION OF FRESH

This week was what I like to call an open week for the podcast. I didn't have anything specific that I wanted to cover. When this happens I simply ask the listeners to send me questions. One of those questions came from an artist by the name of J-Coop . The question he asked sparked this conversation and what I'm calling my most personal podcast to date. So what did he ask? How to quit your job and follow your passion? That was the million dollar question. Trust me you want to hear my answer. Listen to our podcast on  iTunes , Google Play ,  Stitcher ,  Soundcloud , Audiomack & our website . ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Outstanding Media sends Jehuniko 's new single "Canters" named after the historic Los Angeles diner. This uplifting anthem comes from Jehuniko 's upcoming conceptual project, "Welcome To Forever" .  Stream the track below!!! Jehuniko 's recent interview on  iHeartRadio's 93.7   The Beat : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrN78AMd0pg

Mostro & NorCal Nick just dropped a new song titled 'One Day' , which is also produced by Mostro .  Stream & Download the track below!!! ***Thanks to NorCal Nick for sending***

Drae Slapz has had a busy year holding it down as the live DJ for some of Portland’s most exciting hip-hop acts, including Mic Capes , Brookfield Duece , and Lang , as well as maintaining his own Saturday night residency at The Pharmacy . His latest announcement finds the popular performance DJ switching gears though, getting back behind the boards with a new single, One Mo Time , which features Rasheed Jamal . Enjoy the latest from Drae Slapz and highly-acclaimed artist Rasheed Jamal , and stay tuned for more upcoming announcements this summer.  Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***

DM360 sends “Fought The Devil” by Danny Matos , a tense and lush listening experience—from the hook, down to the production. On the chorus, the poet-turned-rapper is joined by vocalist Joie Giordano , while go-to collaborators Rusty Mack (of Harry Fraud ’s Surf School ) and The Red Walrus flesh out the instrumental. “Fought The Devil” is now available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for The Tarmac , as the project’s debut instant-grat track. The Tarmac hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26 .

Tindal Enterprises PR 's latest client, Ricky Ruger drops off his latest street banger "Runnin' Up Da Bands" from his Last Man Standing project. This is Ruger’s ode to anyone out there that’s chasing that paper. You can check out Ricky's Under The Tent interview with Tent TV here . ***Thanks to Tindal Enterprises for sending***

Mello Music Group sends the new video "Daisies" from Ugly Heroes directed by Orange Cap and produced by Apollo Brown . Ugly Heroes "Everything In Between" : http://tinyurl.com/jlvaj7z

Massachusetts' MC Abyss brings in fellow Boston vet M-Dot on the aptly titled single "Overdue" . With a menacing drum & horn backdrop (provided by C-Lance of A.O.T.P. ) the track evokes what's been needed/overdue in hip hop. Vocalist Aisling Peartree offers the hook while LP2 lays down the scratches. ***Thanks to Revalation (of EMS) for sending***

Brand new single from the long awaited album with DK and DJ Nefarious . Production and cuts by the man himself DJ Nefarious , as DK slays this track with swagged out word play and conceptual lyrics referencing Cali , from the album "Sk8er2TheGator" . ***Thanks to DJ Nefarious for sending***

While out on the road for The Daylight Savings Tour , J-Coop & Last Name Good takes some time out to serve up some 5 Star dishes on a new single titled "Culinary Arts" . This is the third gem from the pair following "Get Away" and “Just Got Put On” .   ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Seattle / LA artist Cool GRANDE drops off his new EP, Did It In a Day , which he wrote, recorded, and mixed all in a 24 hour period. Stream Did It In A Day below and stay on the look out for a series of music videos coming from Cool GRANDE and Director Dyllyn Greenwood to accompany the new EP. ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***

Moses Soweto-Tsali sends his new track "Drugs" .  Stream & Download below!!!

After receiving excellent reviews by Genius , WatchLoud & Metro Times for his new LP release earlier this month...Detroit's Nolan The Ninja continues the campaign for 'he[art].' by premiering a brand new music video! The visuals are for the rapid track "abyss." , which features fellow Detroit emcee & Mello Music Group artist Red Pill (also 1/3 of Ugly Heroes )...Directed by Canada-based director, Lawraines ! ***Thanks to Nolan The Ninja for sending***  he[art]. ( LP ) = out now. [ via Left Of Center / Fat Beats ] STREAM: http://bit.ly/heartlp VINYL: http://bit.ly/1UQewZh ITUNES: http://apple.co/1VwtoNp CASSETTE: http://bit.ly/1Y3ue5t

Lando Chill releases his debut album, For Mark, Your Son on August 12 via Mello Music Group . Today we're excited to share a new video for the single, "Save Me" directed by Malcolm Critcher and cinematographer Symeon Platts . ***Thanks to Mello Music Group for sending*** Lando Chill - " For Mark, Your Son " Album Pre-Orders: iTunes | Amazon | Bandcamp | CD | Vinyl

PR DEAN MULTIMEDIA sends the track "Hologram" by Dirts Disciples , produced by DJ Concept , off "Opportunity Knox" Vol. 3 . Stream the track below!!! "Opportunity Knox" Vol. 3 available now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/opportunity-knox-vol.-3/id1134134894

Muckaniks is back with a brand new record from his forthcoming project 'Self Diagnosis' , having just recently opened up the lake stage at 'Latitude Festival' Muckaniks returns with the title track from his debut album being released later this year. ***Thanks to Richard Osborne for sending***

Portland's T$Poon is back again with "Dope As Me" featuring Smigg Dirtee & 6ix , produced by NonStopDaHitman . Stream T$poon 's latest below!!! ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***

Dennis Blaze drops the track "Find Me A Freak" featuring Wordsmith and Joella Deville .  Stream the track below!!! ***Thanks to Wordsmith Music for sending***

Fresh off a run of Jean-Michel Basquiat -inspired mixtapes - New Art, New Money ( Bandcamp ) and The Radiant Child ( Bandcamp ) - DC based emcee Yinka Diz returns with his new single "You & Me II" , produced by Kid Soul Brother . The new single will appear on his forthcoming album The Departure . ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

International Maverick sends his new visual entitled ''4pm In Chicago'' shot over a course of 1 hour of him in various parts of the illustrious city he calls home,the visual was Directed by his go to camera guy none other than Work Nowitzki with help from fellow mc Philmore Greene and Modest Goddess as well..

Today, Vevo released the intimate “dscvr” performance for Torii Wolf & DJ Premier ’s “Shadows Crawl” , the new single from Torii & DJ Premier ’s forthcoming collaborative debut project Flow Riiot . ***Thanks to MAC Media for sending***  Watch Torii Wolf & DJ Premier “Shadows Crawl” video (Produced by DJ Premier ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OilKLOOBEdA

For the past couple of weeks I've been on the road for The Daylight Savings Tour with J-Coop & Rod McCoy . When we first made the announcement, questions about how almost immediately hit my inbox. Now that we are half way through the tour I figured I would give you a few tips about how we were able to get it done. We talk routing, morale boosting, crowd funding and everything else you need to know when setting up a tour. So you know the drill...sit back...Relax and Listen! ***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

Mayhem (of EMS ) and Swiss production team the Soulslicers , team up with Boston Hip Hop Legend Akrobatik to release "The World We Live In" a song reflecting on today's society and the current woes we're faced with, all over a soulful backdrop provided by the Soulslicers . This is the 3rd single from Mayhem & the Soulslicers joint project "Soul It May Seem" coming soon. ( Date TBA ) ***Thanks to Revalation (of EMS) for sending***

The Bridge Promotion sends the track "It Won't" by L.E.O feat. Light Lew , produced by L. Williams & Omito . From L.E.O .'s upcoming mixtape "Look No Further" .

Emmy award-winning Oklahoma City rapper Jabee presents "Come Up" , his new single featuring Meant2B and produced by Chris Cutta . His last visual was for the Statik Selektah -produced single "Exhausted" ( watch ). Both singles will appear on Black Future , his forthcoming album featuring Chuck D , Brother Ali and Killer Mike as well as production from J57 , Hannibal King and M Stacks . ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

Portland rapper Mikey Vegaz has steadily been dropping heat month after month. Following up on his 100 Bands visual, MV returns with The Story Of A King produced by Buckmouth Beatz . Featuring the smooth vocals of Dominique Sounds . Stream The Story Of A King and tap in with Mikey Vegaz ’s movement below!!! ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***

Ricko has released the visuals to his heartfelt song “God Saved Me" featuring J. Lamotta Suzume taken from his debut Album “The Slick Rick LP” , which is scheduled to be released on September 29th . Directed by Quason Matthews @ www.coolworldnetwork.com . ***Thanks to iStillLoveHER for sending*** ► pre-order "The Slick Rick LP" on iTunes : bit.ly/TheSlickRickLP ◄

Al SwearenGemz serves as the third single off EFFISCIENZ producer Junior Makhno 's recently released Clandestinity album, which is also an extract from Godly Features , Spit Gemz last opus. ***Thanks to EFFISCIENZ for sending***

After heavy buzz on the first single "Wit No Pressure" , Ras Beats return with lyrical heavyweights O.C. ( D.I.T.C ) and ELZHI ( SLUM VILLAGE ) for the stand-out track "Knowledge Of Self" . The track also serves as the latest preview of Ras’ upcoming album, Control Your Own , which is droppin July 19th through his Worldwyde Recordings imprint. ***Thanks to Ras Beats for sending***

DM360 sends the sophomore EP, Chapter Two: Absent Hotel. NYC, 9PM by Shacar , which seamlessly blends the best elements of rap, R&B, soul, and jazz. Chapter Two: Absent Hotel. NYC, 9PM is now available for free download via  AudioMack .

Check out J57 's remix on the new Blu & Nottz EP that's out now! ***Thanks to the Brown Bag AllStars for sending***

Big Malk sends his track "Sports" featuring Sime Gezus . Artwork by Morgan Quay .

Mello Music Group sends the track World Wide Lamper by Kool Keith featuring B.A.R.S. Murre & Dirt Nasty , from the album "FEATURE MAGNETIC" featuring Ras Kass , MF DOOM , Slug & more.  Stream the track below!!! Feature Magnetic by Kool Keith

The Beat Bruisers return to break bones with Ruste Juxx, Pawz One and Spit Savage on the new music video for "LA to NY" , a five man crime wave set to a sinister Beat Bruisers soundtrack. ''LA to NY'' is taken from the collaboration album ''Def By Stereo'' by the Beat Bruisers , Ruste Juxx and Pawz One . ***Thanks to Below System Records for sending*** Digital purchase links ''Def By Stereo'' : - iTunes: http://bit.ly/DefByStereo - Amazon: http://amzn.to/1SwYHoV - Google Play: http://bit.ly/1KqZCQd - Bandcamp: http://bit.ly/1RzRiVG - Spotify: http://bit.ly/1PaysT2 CD purchase links: - Below System Records: http://bit.ly/1NkgJ5T - UGHH.com: http://bit.ly/1V8zK18 - HHV.de: http://bit.ly/1NkgQyB

MAC Media sends the video for "Bitch Slap" by REKS f/ RA The Rugged Man , from REKS forthcoming new album, The Greatest X , (pronounced The Greatest Unknown ) will be released on September 9th, 2016 via Brick Records .  

Following the fatal police shootings of black men in both Minnesota and Baton Rouge last week, Bay Area duo, Golden Age quickly hit the studio to record their powerful response. It’s “What’s A Black Life Worth?” , a track that is both potent in its message, and gripping in its songwriting and production. For the duo, this track was their opportunity to share their thoughts and respond to these tragedies that continue to happen. They added, “It’s our way of entering the dialogue by asking a simple and poignant question.” It’s safe to say they accomplished their goal here, and they did so even as they put the finishing touches on an upcoming mixtape, MTV Is Dead , which is set for a July 22nd release date. “What’s A Black Life Worth” is now available for download via  iTunes and all other major digital retailers and streaming portals, via Golden Age Music . ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Maryland (by way of the Bronx) emcee Mitch L. Hennessy sends his track "Pour It Down" , produced by Dichter2Productions .  Stream the track below!!! Pour It Down by Mitch L. Hennessy

After minor setbacks and much anticipation, Wilkes-Barre, PA native and Brooklyn-born artist, Source4Prez finally debuts his long-awaited 'Rhyme and Reason' mixtape! ***Thanks to Jared Xavier for sending***

Oakland/Portland producer TOPE and Miami artist Swa Playmaker hook up once again for Only One , the third single off of their collaborative EP NO TITLE dropping soon. ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***

Bay Area-by-way-of-Ukraine rapper SASH is ready to make some noise with his latest project, Black Caviar .  The EP is out now on iTunes and all major digital retailers and streaming services, courtesy of EEU Records .  Stream the EP below!!! ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

I was told there was once a world where slaves communicated with each other via music, and tho I wasn't present for that, the HipHop I fell in love with always encouraged me to do the same (Thank you Public Enemy ).... Let this act as an unfortunate reminder that times change and they don't. #BlackLivesMatter #YallLivesMatter #OurLivesMatter ... I'm afraid to wonder what happens when we as a ppl decide to stop saying it. Some deem us threatening now by sheer design. We are not. We are loving, passionate, cultured and proud, even during unrest. However, with every life viciously and maliciously taken by costumed evil, we grow more and more afraid. What will occur when too many of us are afraid? #IfYouDontValueMyLifeEYEWill #GodHelpUsAll #TheMissionIsGreat - Joe Budden ***Thanks to MAC Media for sending***

Hip Hop Sisters Foundation is proud to announce and support Miss Kyla Imani on the release of her new EP "Sweet Tea" . This is a shining example of our mission of redefining the essence of women and girls through unity, empowerment and hip hop . . . Her new EP is definitely hip "Pop"! Support and enjoy #SweetTea available on iTunes . ***Thanks to Hip Hop Sisters Foundation for sending***

I went through all the rap music uploaded to Audiomack in the month of June, picked out the 50 best songs, and created a playlist that flows from start to finish . Don’t let them tell you that Hip Hop is dead. We got beautiful genre-blending records, work from overseas in Africa , Europe and Latin America , a few throwbacks to the golden era, and even some protest music. Some of the artists, like De La Soul , Snoop Dogg and DMX , have been around for years, and some are new — proof that all hope isn’t lost .. ***Thanks to AWKWORD for sending***

Fresh off the release of Dirty Couch from his upcoming EP HeatRockz , independent Hip Hop artist Five Steez has released another song – Encore , produced by Mordecai . ***Thanks to Five Steez for sending***

Brooklyn rapper, Illa Ghee delivers his most comprehensive, cohesive, and passionate project to date with Illamatic , a sprawling 28-track effort composed of recently recorded original tracks and freestyles, as well as hand-picked guest appearances from the past few years. Illamatic is short on features. It’s all about Illa Ghee here, and he absolutely makes his presence known. Illamatic is now available now for streaming via SoundCloud and AudioMack , and can be purchased for download via Bandcamp . ***Thanks to DM360 for sending***

Swiss beatmaker Soulseize crafts a soulful hip-hop remix for Imperial & K.I.N.E.T.I.K. 's collab with Oddisee . Stream the remix below!!! The Adventures In Technicolour album is available for purchase from all good digital retailers and on limited edition CD. http://apple.co/1peSOAS https://illect.bandcamp.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CSSSVFW ***Thanks to Illect Recordings for sending*** Travel the Map (Soulseize remix) by Imperial & K.I.N.E.T.I.K.

US emcee Jes$ and UK producer BlacKeys team up again for a second project; Jes$ raps relationships and the hope of new beginnings over some dope, minimal BlacKeys beats. ***Thanks to FTRSNDMTRX for sending*** Tracklist 1. It Only Gets Better 01:39 2. ReRun 02:53 3. Up All Night 03:10 4. Feeling' Like Money 02:50 5. Promise 02:23 6. It Could Be Worse 03:09 It Only Gets Better by Jes$ (Produced by BlacKeys)

PR DEAN MULTIMEDIA sends the video to "Belt Off" by THE BAD SEED , produced by NOTTZ , the first single from the new album "COREYOGRAPHY" .

DM360 sends the new music video for “Being Real” by Denver emcee Saint Joe featuring West Philly Freck and Hypnautic (of acclaimed Colorado crew Top Flite Empire ). “Being Real” can now be purchased off the iTunes pre-order for Thinning Out the Heard , as the project’s second instant grat track. Stay tuned for more song leaks and visuals! Pre-Order Links: • iTunes: http://bit.ly/ThinningOutTheHeard • Amazon: http://bit.ly/AmazonTOTH • Google Play: http://bit.ly/GooglePlayTOTH

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 14, 2016) – State Safe Stop, a timely and innovative new app in light of a seemingly increasing rash of fatal violence between police officers and American citizens, is designed to notify up to three (3) family members of your choosing when you are pulled over by law enforcement. The Patent Pending technology will effectively assist in restoring positive trust relations between local law enforcement and U.S. citizens, as a result of national unrest following current events. The State Safe Stop app will: 1) Ping your current location when pulled over for a traffic stop 2) Quickly allow you the ability to live stream or record video 3) Send your recorded video to your selected family members once you reach your designated recording time count 4) Not allow your video to be deleted without a secret passcode you select 5) Send all video recordings to each local law enforcement precinct once a month so a record of police complaints and ...

Still buzzing from his recent feature on Bassnectar 's Unlimited album, Macntaj​ returns with new heat titled "Gods Bleed" produced by M3 and Qreepz . Stream Gods Bleed below and also peep the previous Lightwaves , currently at 14K plays. ***Thanks to TOPE for sending***  Lightwaves : https://soundcloud.com/macntaj/lightwaves

PR DEAN MULTIMEDIA sends the mixtape "Independence Day Pt. 2" by PROFIT , featuring VADO , CASSIDY , FRED THE GODSON , PASTOR TROY , GRANDDADDY TRIGG & more...Stream & Download the mixtape below!!!

Baltimore's own Damond Blue just dropped a dope new track on us, "Klitschko Freestyle" . Blue spits real and vivid lyrics over French Montana 's "Lockjaw" beat. ***Thanks to DMVLIFE.com for sending***

Coalmine Records sends the EP "Titans In The Flesh" by Blu & Nottz . Titans In The Flesh is now available through iTunes and all major digital retailers, via Coalmine Records . Easter-yellow vinyl copies are also available in limited supply, equipped with the instrumental and acapella passes of “The Man” , and the instrumental for “Heaven on Earth” . 

The Bridge Promotion sends the first music video Inspiration by Houston, TX emcee L.E.O. , from his new mixtape "Look No Further" . The track is produced by Waxie Beats . Listen to 'Look No Further' here: https://soundcloud.com/leo_nature5/se...

Spurred by the recent deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of police officers, Brooklyn rapper Bajan Sparrow (formerly known as Spa77ow ) sends a video message calling for people to "come together smarter... not just black - anybody in our urban communities. ***Thanks to Dunn Deal Promotions for sending***

Following the success of his February release 'Remain' , Detroit native Adam Reverie (rev-uh-ree) returns with his transparent 'The Emancipation' . An emotional display of artistic vulnerability 'The Emancipation' is riveting with truths of shame,guilt, pride and repentance. The Rokk Mass produced poetic cry finds Reverie ridding himself of all debts of his past hurt from his father's life sentencing during his freshman year of college, to his infidelities with women and staggering friendships. Gearing up for his August release of his 6 track EP "Soul Ties" , Reverie's 'The Emancipation' serves as the perfect formula to spark any listeners interest in the forthcoming body of work. ***Thanks to Ron Anderson for sending***

First single off of DJ Proof and Ghost of the Machine collaborative album "Heroes for Hire" ft. the Legendary MC, REKS ! Heroes For Hire will be dropping late Fall. ***Thanks to DJ Proof for sending***

Tell All Your Friends sends the EP likeWise by Atlanta, GA duo The Pheels . The duo have burst onto the scene in recent months, their hazy, psychedelic-inspired brand of R&B earning them the distinction of being  The Guardian's band of the week . Vibe Magazine   are fans as well, saying "Instead of the supersaturated Atlanta trap music they are following more in the footsteps of a particular rap group that also came out of Atlanta...Outkast" .

Atlanta-based rapper Rochelle “Hot 16” presents her new single “Silicon Valley" . Produced by Reggie Rxck , "Silicon Valley" serves as a first single to her upcoming EP, Rise and Fall . Receiving praises from rapper Canibus ( watch )) and from opening during Ludacris 's annual block party, Rochelle made noise with her last single "Closest 1's" ( iTunes )) and just release a new "Panda" remix (Listen). "'Silicon Valley' is inspired to bring awareness to the different wealth gaining career paths," says Rochelle. "My hope is introduce and expose more people to the tech world, especially women and women of color" Rise in Fall drops Fall 2016. ***Thanks to Rochelle "Hot 16" for sending***

Bellarose is a tale of modern day romance from the perspective of the brotherly duo, Pro Young and Au . The mixtape was produced, written, and recorded in their apartment, while attending Kent State University as full-time students with part-time jobs. This original work of art blends the unique sounds of Hip-Hop , Jazz, and R&B . Young Troubled Minds found the inspiration for Bellarose through their own romantic encounters.  Stream the mixtape below!!! ***Thanks to Pro Young (of Young Troubled Minds ) for sending***

Los Angeles based artists Larz ( @LarzOfficial ) and Lex Lu ( @LexLuKillEm ) link up for a catchy, lyrical and yet booty clapping single over the Scraps Slaps produced track titled "LIMBO" , which has been featured across national radio and is now available on major platforms online. ***Thanks to Premo T.V. for sending*** Download:  https://itun.es/i6h379t Stream:  https://play.spotify.com/album/3dVRnTCkSYGqc0CXxu4H22 ►Subscribe to channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFBpqzJJ92eh-RGrq4mT7A ►Snapchat -  https://www.snapchat.com/add/larzsbnr ►Twitter -  https://twitter.com/TheRealLarz ►Facebook -  https://facebook.com/larzofficial ►Instagram -  https://instagram.com/larzofficial ►Soundcloud -  https://soundcloud.com/larzofficial ►Website -  http://www.larzofficial.com  

Queens-bred rapper Grafh drops a gritty new visual for his summer single “Trap Phone Ringin” produced by Freeze On Da Beat , off of his current project “Painkillers Reloaded” .  The dope new video, directed by MaxxWayne and Nyjee Evans . ***Thanks to Echoing Soundz for sending***

Singing sensation V Bozeman is the latest celebrity to speak out on behalf of the national #BlackLivesMatter movement in light of recent fatal police shootings involving black citizens. The soul singer teams up with rap artist Young Life and producer Rodney Jones, Jr. (Lil Rod) to unveil a heartfelt “letter” to law enforcement, with lyrics such as “Dear officer, will you let our husbands walk away, will you let our brothers live today, can our sons go outside to play. Dear officer, without getting shot up, even though they got their hands up…” Marvin Bing , Creative Director at Art For Amnesty, sheds light on the significance of V Bozeman ’s emotionally charged new song, "Music has long played a critical role in inspiring, mobilizing, and giving voice to the movement for black lives. The music and artists are playing a strong and vital role in the struggle for freedom. V continues to use her platform to continue that legacy. ‘Dear Officer’ gives the people a renewed coura...