“Don’t Die” is a fresh one from Killer Mike’s forthcoming, El-P-produced LP R.A.P. Music, a gritty, sample-heavy cut backing an urgent, tough flow from Killer Mike. Stream it below. R.A.P. Music is out 5/15 on Williams Street. Previously, we heard the T.I. and Bun B-featuring “Big Beast.”

For a long time now, we’ve heard rumblings about a new collaborative album from badass Atlanta rap snarler Killer Mike and New York skronk-rap king El-P. This morning, we get confirmation that it exists. El produced all of the new joint R.A.P. Music. (That title stands for Rebellious African People’s Music. Sure, fine.) Below...

Some gut reactions based on the first round of bands named for this year's SXSW Music Festival, which will take place in Austin March 18-22:1) Only two "crystal" bands...so far (Crystal Method and Crystal Stilts).2) Most Stereotype-Edifying Japanese Band Name: Tokyo's Futumomo Satisfaction.3) Straight-Up Worst Band Name: Toronto's Candy Coated K...

Fiery Atlanta MC Killer Mike is on the verge of signing to Grand Hustle, T.I.'s imprint of Atlantic Records, according to a HipHopDX report. In an interview with the website, Mike said, "I'd love to get [the deal] done by [Barack Obama's] inauguration...but quicker if possible," so nothing is finalized yet. Still, if this leads to another "Never...

Oh, Outkast. How we pine for the days when you were releasing records regularly as a duo, with nary a negative rumor in earshot. But these days are all about Andre 3000 movies and guest verses and Big Boi's ballet, (non-)beef with Killer Mike, and his (eventually!) forthcoming solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot ... Son of Chico Dusty.As might ha...