Throwback Archives

RIP Big Pun. Here’s Mister Cee’s 2014 Tribute Mix (Audio)

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the day Big Pun passed away. Here's a new tribute mix celebrating the life and legacy of the big man, courtesy of Mister Cee. Check out the stream and download below. Related: Here’s a Rare Demo Version of Big Pun’s Still Not a Player... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Happy 40th Birthday to J. Dilla. To Celebrate Here’s J Rocc’s Mind-Blowing 120+ Song Set of Mixes (Audio)

In the last year of his life, J Dilla was getting the mainstream recognition he so deeply deserved. Donuts dropped. He was making thumpers for Common, who was his roommate in L.A. at the time. Dilla deftly balanced major label acceptance with underground royalty, and things seemed to be on... Read more

February 7, 2014 Throwback

Souls Of Mischief’s 93 ‘Til Infinity Deluxe Reissues, With A Light Box, Bonus CD & Music Book

In a month that's already announced a deluxe reissue of Mobb Deep's 1995 album, The Infamous, as well fellow Queens native/collaborator Nas' 1994 debut, Illmatic, next up is the Souls Of Mischief's debut, 93 'til Infinity. The Jive Records album by Tajai, Phesto, Opio, and A-Plus featured the breakthrough single... Read more

February 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Nas’ 20th Anniversary Edition Of Illmatic, Includes Rare Q-Tip Remix, Freestyles & More

In April of 2014, one of Hip-Hop's true classics turns 20 years old. Nas' 1994 debut Illmatic will blow out its candles in style, as the Columbia/Ruffhouse Records release gets an expanded edition, confirmed today via iTunes, courtesy of 2DopeBoyz. Like the 10th anniversary version (which felt like it came... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Welcome Home! 45 King Is Back From His Heart Attack & Hospitalization (Video)

Some good news on the health and Hip-Hop front. Last month, Ambrosia For Heads reported that The 45 King suffered a heart attack, and was hospitalized. Well, good news... the beat-digging, production, and 7" record DJ'ing legend is back in effect mode, with a new video to talk about puttin'... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Anna Gordy, Inspiration To Marvin Gaye’s Here My Dear Has Died. Listen To The Music (Audio)

There are plenty of timeless, classic, immortal love songs made by Marvin Gaye (quite a few with Tammi Terrell). However, Marvin also penned one of the ultimate break-up albums, late 1978's Here My Dear (which was recorded years before it released, as it sat on Motown shelves). A couple years... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Feel Like Fighting After That Wack Super Bowl? M.O.P. & Mobb Deep Got You Covered (Audio)

The Super Bowl was wack. What way to take out some unreleased aggression than a new collabo from M.O.P. and Mobb Deep? Check out Street Certified. Props on the spot: 2DBZ Related: DJ Kay Slay Unifies Members Of Wu-Tang Clan, LOX, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga & M.O.P. To Honor The ’90s... Read more

February 2, 2014 Throwback

Ready for the Super Bowl? First Things First. Here Are Some Classic Hip-Hop Commercials (Video)

Commercials are always a big part of Super Bowl Sunday. With that in mind, here’s a video playlist of some vintage hip-hop commercials. You’ll see Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys, Kid 'N'... Read more

February 2, 2014 Throwback

TLC Perform What About Your Friends at the Vh1 Super Bowl Blitz (Video)

As the Super Bowl festivities ramp up, the ladies from TLC join the party. Chili and T-Boz performed a high energy rendition of What About Your Friends, and they've still got it. Check out the video. Related: T-Boz & Chilli Invite Lil’ Mama To Perform With TLC As Left Eye... Read more

February 1, 2014 Throwback

Rap-A-Lot Records Re-Releases Geto Boys, Do Or Die, Scarface Albums To Vinyl

Dating back to 1986, Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records is from the era when Hip-Hop was more prevalent on vinyl than CD. Growing demand for J. Prince's catalog has made the "Hot Club Wax," as promos used to be called, scarce surrounding some albums. Just days after Universal Music Group's similar announcement,... Read more

January 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Lauryn Hill Performs a Funked Up Version of Final Hour (Video)

Lauryn Hill's latest re-arrangements of her Miseducation classics have been winning. After releasing a scorching reggae-tinged performance version of Ex-Factor in December, she's now released a funked up performance of Final Hour. Check out the video. Related: Lauryn Hill Performs an Inspired 11-Minute Reggae-Influenced Version of Ex-Factor (Video)... Read more

January 30, 2014 Throwback

Need to Explain Sampling To Somebody In 3 Ear-Bending Minutes? Watch This (Video)

Heads love samples, from Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" in Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock" to Twin Sister's "Meet The Frownies" in Kendrick Lamar's "The Recipe." The folks at Eclectic Method made a three-minute reel that traces the chronology of sampling through the years, stopping in some pretty... Read more

January 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Def Jam Records Started With A Smash. 30 Years Ago Today T La Rock Declared It’s Yours

The same week that LL Cool J hosted the Grammy Awards, there is another important memory milestone for Def Jam Records. Thirty years ago today (January 28), the label started by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin (in a New York University dorm room), released blockbuster single "It's Yours" by Manhattan/Bronx... Read more

January 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Keep 45 King In Your Thoughts This Week, He Suffered A Heart Attack

One of Hip-Hop's most important producers in 45 King. The New Jersey native known for founding the original Flavor Unit, and in part, discovering Queen Latifah, also produced major hits for Eminem ("Stan") Jay Z ("Hard Knock Life"), and legendary remixes for Eric B. & Rakim, Diamond D, and Lisa... Read more

January 27, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Pharoahe Monch & Prince Po Chronicle The Cab Racism & Label Tensions That Created Stress

This week, Organized Konfusion's sophomore album, Stress: The Extinction Agenda turns 20 years old. Queens, New Yorkers Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po (fka Prince Poetry) are coming together for a rare headlining concert with longtime affiliates O.C. and Large Professor, among others, for a concert in Brooklyn, New York. NahRight... Read more

January 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

The Juice Crew Masters The Ceremony & Orchestrates The Symphony On Stage (Video)

The same night Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Geto Boys, The Pharcyde, Blackstreet, and Ma$e and Diddy reunited in Los Angeles, another seminal Hip-Hop crew came together in New York City. While they never released an album, Heads know the Juice Crew's impact as the sum of its parts, including Big Daddy Kane,... Read more

January 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Mobb Deep Will Release Unheard Infamous Verses By Nas, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon & N.O.R.E.

So often with classic albums, what was released was almost everything that was recorded. In 2014, it's often hard to imagine that there's much that hasn't leaked over time, with all the deluxe reissues and bootlegs. Mobb Deep is proving this wrong. During the 1994 recording of Prodigy and Havoc's... Read more

January 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Chuck D Talks About the Early Days of Public Enemy & the Need to Preserve Hip-Hop With Arsenio (Video)

Chuck D sat down with Arsenio and spoke about the first time he ever met Flavor Flav, what it meant to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the need to preserve Hip-Hop culture and more. Check out the videos below. Related: Chuck D and DMC over... Read more

January 25, 2014 Throwback

Biz Markie Performs Just a Friend With a Live Band on Arsenio (Video)

Biz Markie performed his timeless song Just a Friend with a live band on the Arsenio show. Sounds so good...in a Biz Mark kinda way. Check out the video. Related: A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G... Read more

January 24, 2014 Throwback

2014 Dilla Day Detroit To Include Native Tongues, Slum Village & DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock

From his work with Slum Village to "Fuck The Police," J Dilla helped give Detroit a rhythm throughout the '90s and 2000s. Jay Dee, as Heads first knew him, helped take the sound coming out of the Electronica influence, combined with Soul City sampling, and made artists ranging from De... Read more

January 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

It Was A Good Day Indeed, Ice Cube Finally Got His Name On A Good Year Blimp (Photos)

While you might never see "the Lakers beat the Supersonics" again, there's still a lot at play in Ice Cube's "It Was A Good Day" 21 years later. From the trip to Fat Burger, to pick-up basketball, to that triste with the girl he forever lusted for, the DJ Pooh-produced... Read more

January 21, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Organized Konfusion To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Stress: The Extinction Agenda With O.C. & Large Professor

In August of 1994, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Poetry released their second of three albums as Organized Konfusion. The Queens, New Yorkers followed their self-titled 1991 LP with a sophomore joint featuring involvement from Q-Tip, O.C., Buckwild, and a young producer entering the scene named Rockwilder. Within five years the... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

What Are Some Of The Records That Mean The Most To E-40?

Last week, Pitchfork ran their 5-10-15-20... series with Vallejo, California star E-40. The innovative concept feature looks at the records that shaped an artist through their own upbringing. Earl went in-depth about some of his choices, which included the Reverend Al Green, Miguel, and Stevie Wonder. In addition to three... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Kid ‘n’ Play Have Not Lost a (Kick) Step. Check out How They Rocked The Arsenio Hall Show (Video)

Kid 'n' Play crashed the party on The Arsenio Hall Show and performed Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody and Rollin' With Kid 'n' Play. And, just when you think it's going to be a chill performance, the kicks start flying...Check out the video. Related: AFH Old School Video Playlist (Video)... Read more

January 18, 2014 Throwback

Spice-1, Kokane, Young Bleed, C-Bo, JT Money & Gangsta Pat Reminisce on Hip-Hop (Audio)

From the South and the West, the '90s and 2000s delivered some excellent artists who thrived without relying on the support of mainstream radio or video. These artists, who may have had hits, cultivated loyal audiences and made albums for their core. Prezident Bejda, a longtime Murder Dog magazine contributor,... Read more

January 18, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Jay Z Originally Had More Songs Planned For Reasonable Doubt & A Different Sequence?

Jay Z's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, has made an immortal impression on Hip-Hop. The Roc-A-Fella Records breakthrough release featured involvement from The Notorious B.I.G., DJ Premier, Ski Beatz, and Mary J. Blige. Now platinum, the album is still considered Jay's best (including by the artist himself), and spawned many... Read more

January 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

MF DOOM Has $100 Mask Rings For Sale

From the front-man to Elektra Records group KMD to a Top 200 charting MC, MF DOOM has lived the underground Hip-Hop story. The veiled MC, born in England, but forever entrenched in the '90s New York City (even though he's moved all over) has transcended genre, and through work with... Read more

January 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. Here’s Mister Cee’s Baby Girl Bday Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. Here's a mix by Mister Cee celebrating her life and music. Related: Aaliyah Video Tribute (Playlist)... Read more

January 16, 2014 Audio, Throwback

MC Serch Recalls The Early Days Of MF DOOM & Slick Rick In This Stellar Juan Epstein (Audio)

From his time with 3rd Bass, Rockaway, Queens' MC Serch is already an interesting figure of old school Hip-Hop. However, the MC-turned-record executive-turned-talk show host has been involved with so much more than his group with Prime Minister Pete Nice and DJ Daddy Rich (f/k/a Richie Rich). Serchlite was a... Read more

January 16, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jean Grae is Self-Releasing a New Album Tonight. Here’s the First Single (Audio)

Just months after dropping Gotham Down: cycle 1: Love In Infinity (Lo-Fi) via her Bandcamp, Jean Grae is releasing another album tonight (January 14). Grae's Jeanie album, as its called, includes "The Mask." Here, you hear the ultra-talented daughter of Jazz vocalist Sathima Bea Benjamin dabble into some singing. In... Read more

January 14, 2014 Throwback

Cappadonna Drops A Visual To His Winter Warz Verse 18 Years Later (Video)

In the canon of guest verses, one legendary look came back in 1996, from Staten Island, New Yorker Cappadonna. The Wu-Tang Clan's tightest affiliate, a onetime argued tenth member, Cappa was a co-star on the cover of Ghostface Killah's solo debut, Ironman. After putting Heads to bed with his seemingly... Read more

January 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

A Freestyle Surfaces Of Big Daddy Kane Rocking Over An Ultramagnetic MC’s Instrumental (Audio)

Early last year, Big Daddy Kane spoke briefly about the connection he had with The Bronx's Ultramagnetic MC's. While it's a long drive/train-ride from the BX to the BK, both outfits were unified forces in weeding out suckers in '88, as well as upholding the time-tested tradition of Hip-Hop. At... Read more

January 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Incredible VIDEO MIX of 80’s R&B and Hip-Hop Classics. Prepare to Be Blown Away (Video)

Here's a really incredible 80's video mix that was done by M*Knight. You'll hear music from Heavy D, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Shelia E, Bobby Brown, Guy, Rene & Angela, De La Soul, Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal, Cameo, Klymaxx, Michael Jackson...If this was just an audio mix... Read more

January 11, 2014 Throwback

Must Listen: Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back Deconstructed (Audio)

If the Hip-Hop media trailblazers at ego trip sleep on something, the rest of us may be in R.E.M. too. This week, Ted Bawno's crew pointed out a 2013 podcast/mix from DJ Moneyshot that had been overlooked by many (including us). The mix celebrates 25 years of the massively-acclaimed Solid... Read more

January 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Tupac Shakur-Inspired Musical Confirmed To Hit Broadway

Fans of Tupac Shakur in the New York City area have reason to celebrate. Today, Variety confirms that "Holler If Ya Hear Me" will be hitting Broadway's Palace Theater, beginning in June. The play takes its name from 'Pac's 1993 sophomore album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. The track opened the... Read more

January 8, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

3rd Bass’ MC Serch Gets An Afternoon TV Talk Show. Wanna Watch The First Episode? (Video)

Queen Latifah is in the talk show realm (in addition to makeup spokeswoman, Jazz vocalist, and blockbuster Hollywood actress). Now, another late '80s Hip-Hop artist is headed into that realm. Brooklyn, New York's MC Serch was one-third of Def Jam Records stars 3rd Bass in the late '80s and early... Read more

January 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

If You Like D’Angelo, This SoulQuarian Soul Tribute Mix Will Make Your Month (Audio Mix)

It's been nearly 13 years since D'Angelo released his last studio album. He teased fans with a return to the stage and some tour dates over the last 18 months, but a new album has yet to surface. Not to worry, DJ Mike Rizzy has put together an AMAZING tribute... Read more

January 6, 2014 Audio, Throwback

One Of The Source’s Co-Founders & DJ Mighty Mi Lay Down A 2 Hour Golden Era Mix (Audio)

Back in arguably the greatest year for all things Rap (1988), The Source magazine, the onetime "Bible Of Hip-Hop," started by Publisher Dave Mays and Jon Shecter at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With some friends (and allegedly Ray Benzino), the magazine would go on to become thee paper of... Read more

January 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Want To Hear Unreleased Dopeness From When Death Row & Rap-A-Lot Were Tight? (Audio & Video)

Despite the fact that Rap-A-Lot Records was born in Houston, Texas and Death Row Records was founded by two men from Compton, California, there's been a lot of cross-over. In the mid-1990s, Death Row artists like 2Pac, Danny Boy, and Tha Dogg Pound were cleared to appear on Rap-A-Lot releases,... Read more

January 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Thin Lizzy Performs Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed Live In 1976 (Video)

In the canon of Rock & Roll breaks, a favorite of many Heads in Thin Lizzy's "Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed," from the 1976 concept album of the same name. A mixed-race band from Dublin, Ireland, Thin Lizzy made charged Rock music that crossed the seas with hits... Read more

January 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Check Out Jay Shells Hitting L.A. With Street Signs Of Lyrics By Ice Cube, DJ Quik, Xzibit & Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Previously, artist Jay Shells canvased the streets of New York at Hip-Hop lyric landmarks with street signs reminding those in the know. These discreet-looking acts of guerilla street art were a hit to Heads in passing, as well as on the Internet. Now Shells hits the streets of L.A., placing... Read more

December 31, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

RIP to James Brown Who Passed Away 7 Years Ago Today. Here Are His Soul Train Performances (Video)

James Brown, the Godfather of Soul (and Hip-Hop) passed away 7 years ago today. Having been sampled thousands of times, particularly in the 80's and 90's, there are few who had a deeper impact on the foundation of Hip-Hop. Here's a highlight video of some of his most electrifying Soul... Read more

December 25, 2013 Throwback

A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G (Audio)

Earlier this year, Tim Westwood lost his longtime post at BBC Radio. The London, England-based radio/video personality has been spoofed by Afion Crockett for his enthusiasm and friendly-fire with guests. However, Heads in the know recognize that Tim Westwood's work in Hip-Hop goes back to the '80s. Need proof? UnKut.com... Read more

December 23, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Former Stars Of Rap-A-Lot Records Have A Rare, Really Candid Roundtable Interview (Audio)

One of the cool (at the same tragic) things about Rap-A-Lot Records was how the '80s-'90s stars of the label—true of today too—did very little press. While Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were on MTV, BET, and The Box, guys like Ganxsta Nip, Seagram, Menace Clan, The Terrorists, Mad... Read more

December 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Like Pink Floyd? Like George Washington & Ben Franklin Getting It In? Check This (Video)

DJ House Shoes' affiliate DertBeats made a very cool flip of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon hit "Money." The re-imagined beat has that thump, and serves as a true MPC clinic to anybody who studies arrangement. Well, there's a fantastic new video to capture the street vibe of... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Mac Miller Continues His Soulful Sonic Journey on Eggs Aisle (Audio)

2013 was a transitional year for Mac Miller. He went from crafting more light-hearted music in the past to releasing an album that was deep, introspective and very soulful, with Watching Movies with the Sound Off. Tonight, he is releasing a new album called Live From Space, and he's shown... Read more

December 16, 2013 Throwback

Prince Paul Drops An Alternative Mix To His Project With P-Funk/Talking Heads’ Bernie Worrell (Audio)

Just on the strength of De La Soul's first three albums, Prince Paul makes a case for one of Hip-Hop's greatest producers. That ignores his tremendous contributions to Stetsasonic, Gravediggaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School, as well as a critically-championed solo career, plus joints for 3rd Bass, Dr. Octagon, and Boogie... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Rare Demo Version of Big Pun’s Still Not a Player Featuring Cuban Link (Audio)

Before Big Pun recorded his classic with Joe on the hook, he and Cuban Link laid down a reference track in the studio mapping out how the song was going to go. It features Pun riffing the hook and the 2 trading playful freestyle verses over those oh so familiar... Read more

December 8, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Did You Know Missy Elliot Had A Big Hand In Puffy & The Family’s All About The Benjamins (Video)

A popular argument is that Missy Elliot's one of Hip-Hop's better producers. Sadly, due to co-production (something we've seen with Daz Dillinger, Guru, Mike Dean, and others), she may live in Timbaland's shadow. One person who sees Missy's talent for what it is may be Diddy. Back in '96-'97, Bad... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

1994 2Pac Talks Loneliness & Not Wanting Government To Condemn His Music (Video)

1994 was such a pivotal year for 2Pac. The same year Thug Life would release their only album, the rising superstar would go to jail. He would enter a #1 artist, former Digital Underground protege, and a budding actor with on and off the mic versatility. 'Pac would leave prison... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Throwback