A few months back, Jay-Z released the single "Empire State of Mind"[YT] off of his latest album, The Blueprint 3[buy]. The songs features Jay-Z with a supporting chorus by Alicia Keys. Alicia Keys would then go on to release "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" for her new album The Element of Freedom[buy]. Last night Alicia Keys performed this song live on the Colbert Report with a rather surprising special guest[YT].
posted by cavalier on Dec 16, 2009 - 69 comments

Doomsday vs. Lyric (YT). From Rhyme Spitters 2006, a documentary of an annual Chicago tournament of freestyle emcee battles – completely improvised verbal battles between two rappers where insults are brought to a lyrical form that's often hilarious, often very politically incorrect, and usually NSFW. It's usually not taken personal by either party – in fact, it's not unusual in these battles to see a rapper smiling in appreciation of a particularly well-crafted insult that just came from their opponent. See also Rhyme Spitters 1, 2, and 4, each hour-long documentaries online at Vimeo featuring tons more battles.
posted by WCityMike on Sep 27, 2009 - 36 comments

Supernatural, best known for his battles with (MC) Juice and his appearances on the Wake-Up Show, freestyle raps the entire lineup (8:33) of this year's Rock the Bells (Hip Hop) Festival as they sit behind him, leaving rap legend Krs-1 saying "That's the essence of emceeing...I'm just floored." [more inside]
posted by cashman on Apr 9, 2009 - 64 comments

In 1988, the hip hop came to the Mormons, thanks to The Walter & Hays Band and their Mormon Rap (lyrics video). Though mocked by some, others take it seriously. Annoyed that there's only a version with guys singing? Morgan made a girl version. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Apr 2, 2009 - 27 comments

Haven't got your fill of awkward rap? Well there's Bill Cosby's upcoming rap CD and a new dance joint about a beat down. Or you can reminisce and revel in 13 awkward rap commercials of old. Not enough? Okay fine, how about a freestyle battle. [more inside]
posted by cashman on Apr 16, 2008 - 37 comments

Joey Jihad is a hot young rapper out of Philadelphia, who is on the verge of being signed by one of the majors. Recently though, Joey was humiliated on the streets when he was set up, punched and robbed. Word on the hip-hop message boards is that his assailant paid the ultimate price
posted by PeterMcDermott on Jan 5, 2007 - 77 comments

Crispy New Freestyle : Featuring such lyrical gems as 'I like to suck mouse dick' (wmv link)
posted by angry modem on Sep 16, 2004 - 8 comments

Hey everybody, it's that guy. Doing that thing he does again. [8 Meg wmv] Look at him go, he sure does that thing well, that guy. Remember when he did his thing in that orange shirt?
posted by Stan Chin on Mar 23, 2004 - 9 comments

Crispy New Freestyle (warning .wmv file)....but it's funny....strong language also.
posted by oliver_crunk on Sep 17, 2003 - 14 comments