3 & Out: Smoke DZA & Harry Fraud Talk New Album “He Has Risen” [Video]

Smoke DZA is known by many fans as the ‘Kushed God’ for his fondness of fine bud, so the title of his latest album with Harry Fraud, He Has Risen, may lead fans to believe that he’s let the messianic signifiers go to his head. But no. The name of the first collaborative project from the duo since 2012’s Rugby Thompson (and DZA’s first since 2014’s Dream.ZONE.Achieve) isn’t even about being high, rather it refers more to the the Harlem MC’s absence from music last year, and anticipated return. “My dad has Diabetes and he had his leg amputated. So I had to be the good son and hold down the fort,” DZA says of his rap sabbatical, even referring to himself as a prodigal son. “Rap and everything had to take a back seat for a second. I had to make sure he got himself together. He’s been out the crib for a year. He really gave me the blessings like ‘Get out my face. You in here moping. Go be creative. Go make some money.’” The result was a no-nonsense EP clocking in at a lean but potent 9 tracks where DZA sounds refreshed but focused, stepping out of his comfort zone. “Smoke’s put out a lot of projects. He’s been at it for a minute,” says Harry Fraud. “And I feel like if I’m a fan of an artist I want to hear what I’m a fan of them for, that style, but I want them to

Read more

Torae Weighs In On Chris Rock & The Oscars, Joins Rich Nice In A&R Room And Talks “Entitled” Album [Video]

Fellow Sirius host and true artist at heart Torae stopped by SITM to talk about his new project ‘Entitled‘ which dropped January 15th via iTunes. It features some dope production between Jahlil Beats and !llmind along with a few features from legendary Pete Rock, Saul Williams and Mack Wilds. While on the show he put on his A&R hat with our very own Rich Nice, DJ Wonder and Tracy G to run through a few tracks as citizens called in to give their honest feedback. First up was an original from DJ Premiere, who placed the Kanye West “I Love Kanye” vocals over one of his classic beats followed by Azealia Banks “Big Big Beat”. He also spoke on the Oscars and Chris Rock as many were debating on boycotting while many were anxious to see exactly how he would address the issues at hand. Not to mention a rather awkward appearance from Stacey Dash that had many confused. Check out the full interview below and be sure to support Torae both through his music as well as tuning in to Hip Hop Nation at 5pm EST on Sirius Channel 44.

Read more