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Happy Birthday to Kool Moe Dee, Who Transformed the Nature of Battle Rap (Video)

On August 8, 1962, a man was born who would revolutionize the way freestyle battles operated, forever leaving his mark on Hip-Hop. Years before he would have that impact, however, he was already forging the path of a pioneer, finding success in the early days of a culture that many... Read more

Atmosphere Heat Up An 8-Year Old Album Cut With Solar-Powered Technology (Video)

Atmosphere released "Sunshine" back in 2007, but the Minneapolis duo have proven there is no expiration date for innovation. Slug and Ant have released a music video for their popular Sad Clown Bad Summer 9 single, eight years after its release. The reason? The always forward-thinking Rhymesayers apparently saw an... Read more

Vince Staples Challenges His Comfort Zone with Major Lazer Co-Founder (Audio)

After releasing his debut solo album, Summertime '06, in June, Vince Staples has been enjoying his busiest season yet. The ambitious 20-track project features Jhené Aiko, fellow Cutthroat Boyz Joey Fatts & ASton Matthews, and extensive production from No I.D. The Long Beach, California rapper already has a spot in... Read more

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 Turns 50 Today. Here’s Why It’s Still Fighting for Survival

In the summer of 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law federal legislation which aimed to tackle racial discrimination in voting. The Civil Rights Era had brought racial tensions to a head, and Black Americans were fighting alongside Asian and Latino citizens for equal treatment under the law. Described... Read more

J. Cole Reflects on Art & Life in Jamaica for New Short Film (Video)

Currently on his Forest Hills Drive Tour, J. Cole is a busy man; in addition to promoting his latest album, the MC and producer is turning heads for his collaboration with the one and only Janet Jackson on her much-anticipated return to airwaves, "No Sleeep." Also featured on Houston rapper... Read more

Curren$y & Chase N. Cashe Form A Holy Union In Audio (EP Stream)

Earlier this year, New Orleans' resident Spitta Curren$y released Pilot Talk 3, his fifth studio album and one that was highly anticipated, as it had been five years since the first two albums of the Pilot Talk series were released. Only a few weeks later, he dropped the E.P. Even... Read more

Blackface Will No Longer Be Used in One Opera, But There’s Still a Long Way to Go

Blackface, the practice of white performers darkening their skin to portray a person of color, is an ugly vestige of what many would say is a bygone era; in the United States, it was common fare in minstrel-show productions, where whites played the roles of African-Americans by painting their faces... Read more

Celebrate Warren G’s New EP a Day Early & Listen to ‘Regulate…G Funk Era Pt. 2’ (Album Stream)

It's been 21 years since Long Beach, California MC and producer Warren G released his debut album, Regulate...G Funk Era. The triple-Platinum selling LP is home to his duet "Regulate," a West Coast classic featuring the late Nate Dogg that remains his most successful track to date. Also housing the... Read more

Orange Is The New Black’s Real-Life Inspiration Is Fighting for Female Inmates on Capitol Hill (Video)

Piper Kerman, a former inmate in the United States federal-prison system, published a book called Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison in 2010. Five years later and she is a pop-culture phenomenon and the inspiration behind Netflix's most popular show to date. However, her story... Read more

Joell Ortiz & !llmind Take Lil Piggies to the Slaughterhouse (Video)

Having just released their collaborative album Human, Joell Ortiz and !llmind have been getting Heads familiar with their sound, one that is different than fans may be used to. The first single, "Lil' Piggies," is a dark track reminiscent of something one might hear in a horror film about a... Read more

President Obama Aims to Address Climate Change with Historic Regulations (Video)

President Obama has taken major steps towards fulfilling his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief in recent months. Repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the armed forces; supporting the legalization of gay marriage across all 50 states, a decision supported by the... Read more

Celebrate Jon Stewart’s Final Week on the ‘Daily Show’ with These Hip-Hop Moments (Videos)

On Friday, August 7, late-night television will lose one of its most beloved hosts, as Jon Stewart retires from his 16-year tenure at the helm of Comedy Central's flagship news-satire program, "The Daily Show." Along the way, Stewart has lambasted politicians, society, corporations, and the average citizen in equal parts... Read more

Large Professor Chats with Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Teaches Hip-Hop History Lesson (Audio)

In 2014, Large Professor - the legendary Queens, New York producer who has worked with Eric B. & Rakim (while he was still in high school, no less), Nas, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz, Public Enemy, and dozens more - visited hosts Frannie Kelly and A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed... Read more

Will Planned Parenthood Lose Its Federal Funding Today? The Senate is Expected to Decide

Later this evening (August 3), the United States Senate is expected to vote on an issue that has long since been a bastion of heated debate. Planned Parenthood, the non-profit organization focused on reproductive health for both men and women, has recently come under fire after a series of unflattering... Read more

The Game & Drake Keep It 100 in Compton (Video)

With the Game's much anticipated The Documentary 2 scheduled to drop August 28, the Compton MC has put out two singles thus far, beginning with April's "Ryda" featuring Dej Loaf. The second single, "100," features Drake and the two put in some serious lyrical work on the track. In addition... Read more

New Driverless Cars Will Allow For Ghostridin’ The Whips…Someday (Audio)

The proliferation of technology into all aspects of life is not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination. Companies investing in "smart home" technologies are making it easier for people to turn off their ovens remotely or to turn on their central air while on their commute home.... Read more

Lauryn Hill Takes on Classic Nina Simone & Gives it a New Life (Video)

On last night's "Tonight Show," Ms. Lauryn Hill performed her interpretation of Nina Simone's classic 1965 tune, "Feeling Good." Hill's rendition is a single from Nina Revisited...A Tribute to Nina Simone. The album also features Simone's daughter Lisa, Jazmine Sullivan, Usher, Common, Mary J. Blige, and Miss Simone herself. However,... Read more

Hannibal Buress Discovers Meek Mill is Not Trending in Beverly Hills (Video)

In the world of Hip-Hop, there is perhaps no more visible story right now than the Drake vs. Meek Mill beef. Ardent users of social media may be feeling like they're seeing the story everywhere, which is probably not an incorrect observation, depending on who one asks. The back and... Read more

Do Remember: Run DMC vs. Kool Moe Dee on “Graffiti Rock” (Video)

It was 1984 and New York City was home to a youth culture that was piquing the interest of not only its residents, but also the press. Hip-Hop was steadily becoming an identifiable culture to outsiders, and its unique styles of dance, fashion, music, and language was infectious. Its appeal... Read more

Locksmith Takes a Few Moments to Reflect on What He’s Learned Thus Far (Video)

Almost a month ago to the day, Norcal MC Locksmith devastated not one, but two mics in back-to-back freestyles that showcased his skills as an off-the-cuff lyricist. He visited Kay Slay and Sway to promote Lofty Goals, his second studio album that dropped in June, a project which proves his... Read more

Jill Scott Shares Thoughts on Motherhood, Fame & Why Women Are Powerful (Video)

Jill Scott visited the Breakfast Club earlier this morning to help promote her latest album, Woman, which dropped July 24. Released nearly 15 years to the day as her debut Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, it is her first album in 4 years and it's been... Read more

Ice Cube Says Dr. Dre’s ‘Straight Outta Compton Soundtrack’ Arrives This Week (Video)

With just over two weeks until the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton hits theaters, the excitement and anticipation over the film is palpable, to say the least. Buttressed by the forthcoming reunion tour, public discourse about some of rap music's most prolific young artists has reached a fever pitch, and... Read more

Kurupt & Miguel Team Up for an N.W.A. Tribute…Kind Of (Video)

This summer belongs to N.W.A. in many ways. With the Straight Outta Compton movie storming into theaters next month, the news about the legendary group's reunion tour, and the proliferation of press and media attention, the direct references to their legacy are almost inescapable. However, not all of the references... Read more

‘Kids’ Turns 20 Today & Still Has Plenty of Surprises in its History

On this day in 1995, a film entered theaters that, while under-performing at the box office, left an impression on viewers that has yet to subside. Even though it is one of the most discussed films in a generation (if not more), there are still aspects of Kids' history, production,... Read more

Freddie Gibbs, Apollo Brown & Verbal Kent Team With Aggression (Audio)

In an upcoming release through the Mello Music Group imprint, Chicago, Illinois MC Verbal Kent will be showcasing his skills on Anesthesia, a new solo album featuring contributions from Skyzoo, Torae, Red Pill, Marco Polo, and others. As a founding member of the Ugly Heroes with Red Pill and Apollo... Read more

From the Court to the Mic, NBA Star Damian Lillard Brings the Heat (Audio)

As a Trail Blazer for Portland's NBA team, Damian Lillard is a point guard and Oakland native whose talents extend beyond basketball games. Earlier this year, the 25-year-old former Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star visited Sway Calloway over at SiriusXM's Shade 45 radio show and surprised listeners... Read more

Chris Rivers & Termanology Freestyle Over Classic Black Moon Heat (Audio)

In the latest of Chris Rivers' recent Friday deliveries, he and Termanology spit over Black Moon's 1993 cut "How Many MCs?" Produced by DJ Evil Dee & Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz, the track is emblematic of the dungeony Hip-Hop that was emanating from Brownsville, Brooklyn at the time. More... Read more

Rise & Shine: Watch Janet Jackson & J. Cole in ‘No Sleeep’ (Video)

Janet is back. The legendary pop icon hasn't released any new music in more than 7 years. Next month, she will kick off her Unbreakable World Tour to promote what will be her eleventh solo effort (the first album of hers since the passing of her brother, Michael, in 2009).... Read more

J. Cole and Trae tha Truth Lament Over Children Left Behind (Audio)

A  veteran of Houston's rap scene (he's even got his very own Trae Day in his hometown), Trae tha Truth has been releasing solo music since 2003, when he dropped Losing Composure, an all H-Town affair featuring Paul Wall, Bun B, Chamillionaire, and his fellow Guerrilla Maab cohorts Z-Ro and... Read more

Eminem’s Latest Freestyle is an Exercise in Lyrical Stamina (Audio)

Since being named the winner of AFH's user-generated GOAT competition, Eminem has been busy promoting Southpaw, a Boxing film starring Jake Gylenhaal and 50 Cent, and for which he is the soundtrack's executive producer. Previously slated to become an honorary member of N.W.A. as he joins them on their forthcoming... Read more

Lupe Fiasco Says Commercialism Has Ruined Hip-Hop, Not Ghostwriting

Over the course of the last several days, the topic of ghostwriting has entered the conversation about Hip-Hop in a very powerful way. As a trending topic across several social-media platforms (due largely to Meek Mill's public accusation of Drake, who he claims is a used a writer for the... Read more

Straight Outta Cooperstown: Hip-Hop Meets Baseball in These Mashup Cards

Earlier this month, it was announced that Marvel comics would be recreating comic-book covers with inspiration from classic Hip-Hop albums. Now, in the latest mash-up of pop and Hip-Hop culture, the faces of Rap stars have found themselves in the world of classic baseball cards. Similar to the concept behind... Read more

President Obama’s Final Daily Show Interview Brings Powerful Ideas On College Reform (Video)

On last night's (July 21) episode of "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart had no monologue, no schtick, and went on zero tangents. And for good reason. His guest was President Barack Obama, a leader who is entering the final year of his tenure. Stewart is also a leader (of sorts)... Read more

Jay Electronica Has a Strong Message for Cowards on Previously Unreleased Track (Audio)

Ever the mysterious, slightly mythical Hip-Hop demi-God, Jay Electronica's booming vocal delivery can now be heard on a new-ish track that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. We don't really know from whence it came, when it was made, or what project it belongs to, but it's Wednesday, and getting over... Read more

Take a Long Walk Down Memory Lane With Jill Scott as she Revisits Her Debut Album

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop infused Neo-Soul songstress Jill Scott celebrated the 15th anniversary of her debut album, 2000's Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. With it, she answered her own question, and the album's platinum-selling status suggested that few were left unfamiliar with her name. She... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Protege Dayne Jordan is a True Storytelling MC (Album Stream)

Hailing from Philadelphia, the same city that birthed Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Dayne Jordan has been accumulating some serious knowledge from veterans in the game. With Jeff as his mentor, Jordan has been finessing the skills he's been accruing since 2009, when he released his debut project, Sand... Read more

A Week Before it Turns 20, the Movie ‘Kids’ is Being Remembered as a Classic

Rolling Stone called it "the most controversial film of the Nineties." With mid-'90s New York City as its setting, the Larry Clark-directed film Kids struck a chord with an entire generation, candidly portraying the sexual lives of a handful of teenagers. Released nationwide on July 28, 1995, the NC-17 drama... Read more

Boots from the Coup Says Raising the Minimum Wage is Not Enough…We Need Revolution

Over recent months, there has been an ongoing struggle to raise the minimum wage in an effort to address the rise in the cost of living for millions of Americans. The concept is pretty straightforward - raise the minimum wage, and people can afford to live, pay rent, raise a... Read more

The Formula: Classic Hip-Hop Is Taking Over Radios Nationwide…Again

Nostalgia is a powerful sentiment. As Heads know all too well, simply hearing a track from a former era can rekindle memories of childhood, important life events, a particular friend, or just a particular feeling. That nostalgia has always been there, but part of its beauty is its amorphous nature;... Read more

Method Man Shares Thoughts on RZA, Friendships with Biggie & Tupac (Video)

Method Man visited DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God on 105.1's Breakfast Club morning radio show today and discussed a whole host of topics ranging from his forthcoming album (The Meth Lab, August 21), his work in the film Trainwreck (Judd Apatow says he wants to put every... Read more

Cuba’s Hip-Hop History Resonates In The New Culture Exchange (Video)

Earlier today, it was announced that the United States and the island nation of Cuba have formally restored ties, marking the first time in 54 years that such diplomacy has existed between the two countries. In literal terms, it means that Havana now has an officially active U.S. embassy, while... Read more

Start Your Weekend with Dr. Dre, DJ Quik & More with 3 Volumes of a G-Funk Anthology (Audio)

It's Friday, and a newly released series of G-Funk mixes has got your weekend listening pleasure all sorted out. The first three of a ten-volume G-Funk anthology have been released, featuring works from DJ Quik, Tupac, Tha Dogg Pound, Nate Dogg, Mc Eiht, and dozens more artists who contributed to... Read more

Sheek Louch Heads to Virginia to Borrow a Red Hot Clipse Beat (Audio)

This has been a busy summer for Sheek Louch. In late June, the Brooklyn native and member of the Lox released the debut single from Silverback Gorilla 2, a sequel to its 2008 predecessor. Featuring Billy Danze, Trae tha Truth, and Joell Ortiz, "Hood Nigga" is an anthem for neighborhood... Read more

From the Beastie Boys to Pharrell: This Film Looks at the Merging of Hip-Hop & Skateboard Culture.

As with any culture, the influences of the few can infiltrate the consciousness of the many, transforming a movement at large into a collection of smaller microcosms. One of Hip-Hop's greatest strengths is its eagerness to embrace the flavors of its surroundings, and while now it is arguably the world's... Read more

Mobb Deep Talk 20 Years of The Infamous & Perform Shook Ones Pt. II at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

Throughout music history, there will be those artists whose very names elicit memories so powerful, fans can remember exactly where they were when they first played that track, first heard that album, and first heard them live. For fans of Mobb Deep, the last 25+ years have provided one of... Read more

You Can Hate Me Now: How Early Nas Critics Show the Intricacies of Hip-Hop Nostalgia

In a recent article, writer Lucas Garrison explored the underbelly of '90s Internet forums, focusing specifically on the discussions about Hip-Hop music. What he finds of particular interest are the conversations that developed around Nas and the critical diatribes related to the Nas of 1994 versus the Nas of 1997.... Read more

Kid ‘N Play are the Latest Hip-Hop Icons to Be Honored on TV One’s ‘Unsung’ (Video)

In March of this year, the classic movie House Party turned 25, igniting a hilarious and nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for Heads and movie buffs. A progenitor of the Hip-Hop Comedy canon, the movie starred Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin, a Rap duo also known by their... Read more

The World Is Yours: New Data Shows Hip-Hop is the Most Listened-To Genre Worldwide.

As part of its "Insights" section, one of the world's most popular music-streaming services has released a staggering amount of data which seems to prove that Hip-Hop is the world's most listened-to genre. To reach that conclusion, the company's number-crunchers examined 20 billion of what it calls "listener/track" relationships in... Read more

G-Eazy Shows He’s a Triple Threat with the Release of 3 New Tracks (Audio)

26-year-old Oakland native G-Eazy is steadily winning over Heads with his extemporaneous wit in freestyles, his rapid-fire barbs on the A$AP Ferg & Danny Seth-assisted "Lotta That," and his collaborations with unexpected but perfectly tailored artists. With the release of These Things Happen in June of 2014, the MC and... Read more

A 15-Year-Old Hip-Hop Artist Is Using His Talents to Save the Planet at the U.N. & On Stage (Video)

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is breathing new life into what it means to be a "conscious" MC. The Boulder, Colorado native speaks three languages (English; Spanish; & Nahuatl, an indigenous Aztec language) and at only 15 years of age, he has already spoken at the United Nations conference on the topic of... Read more