Throwback Archives

Bob James Discusses Nautilus Becoming A Hit By Way Of Hip-Hop

When Heads get into rare groove/sample sources, pianist, composer and arranger Bob James is an ideal starting point. To laymen, James may be best known for creating the smooth theme song to "Taxi," however to those who read the labels, James has a massive catalog of hits that's resurrected by... Read more

September 19, 2013 Throwback

DJ Yella Recalls N.W.A. Mistakenly Turning Down Guns N’ Roses Tour

DJ Yella rarely speaks these days. The founding member of N.W.A. (who was also in World Class Wreckin' Cru with Dr. Dre prior) has left music and found success in the XXX industry as a porn director. A comrade of Eazy-E's till the tragic 1995 end of E's life, Yella... Read more

September 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock: The Rematch (Video)

Heads may have seen Pete Rock and DJ Premier battle in the past. This is the rematch...In the next round of their friendly battle, the 2 legendary DJs flip the script by competing using the other's beats. Pete spins Primo's classic productions and vice versa. Check out the video. Related:... Read more

September 15, 2013 Throwback

Celebrity Crime Files: Scott LaRock (Full Episode Video)

This one fell through the cracks but is well worth a look if you missed it. Last month, TV One did an edition of their Celebrity Crime Files series on Scott LaRock. Contrary to the title, the show is primarily a documentary on the life of LaRock who was Boogie... Read more

September 13, 2013 Throwback

Living Legends: Big Daddy Kane (Audio/Video Playlist)

"The name Kane is superior to many people. It means King Asiatic Nobody's Equal." No truer words were ever spoken, even though they were from the man, himself. Along with Rakim, Kane has had one of the most enduring influences on Hip-Hop as we know it today, having been one... Read more

September 13, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

A Look at 17-year Old Tupac Shakur 17 Years After His Death (Video)

I remember exactly where I was when I learned Tupac had passed away. It was a Friday the 13th just like today, 17 years ago. Though he had been in the hospital for several days before, it seemed that the prognosis was good in the days leading up to his... Read more

September 13, 2013 Throwback, Video

MC Lyte To Be Honored With BET’s I Am Hip Hop Award

With the upcoming 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards filming at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on September 28, Billboard revealed today that MC Lyte will be receiving a lifetime honor award. The Brooklyn native who helped make First Priority Records (along with affiliates Audio Two) a destination label in... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Preservation – SePtember 1200 (Barry White Tribute Mixtape)

Preservation is a producer/DJ closely associated with Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def. The touring-mate of the former Rawkus Records standout offered up The REcstatic earlier this year, a fully-remixed version of Mos' 2009 Downtown Records album (which along with Madlib and Oh No, Preservation produced). After doing that acclaimed re-working... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

MC Shan – Another One To Get Jealous Of (Lost Marley Marl Remix)

MC Shan has one of the coolest Hip-Hop voices of all-time, in my opinion. Maybe that's why so many producers and DJs love to scratch his vocals. The person who helped set off "The Bridge" wars released an oft-overlooked 1987 LP, Down By Law. Within the Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Ol’ Dirty Bastard Hologram Performs With Wu-Tang Clan (Video)

Following Eazy-E's hologram appearance alongside Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on Saturday, Ol' Dirty Bastard's digital performance was in sync with Wu-Tang Clan yesterday. Video was captured of a seven-minute part of the performance. RZA's introduction is priceless, as O.D.B. appears for "Shame On A Nigga," a solo breakdown interlude part, and "Shimmy... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Eazy-E Hologram Performs With Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Video)

Rock The Bells-related footage of the Eric "Eazy-E" Wright digital projection yesterday (September 7) in San Bernardino, California rocking alongside Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone and Flesh-N-Bone. Eazy and Ruthless Records business partner Jerry Heller signed the Cleveland, Ohio quintet in the early '90s to make platinum... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Woody – Hip-Hop At 40 Preview (Video)

For fans of Style Wars, Wild Style, and just the story that us Heads are living out, this is incredibly cool. DJ Woody makes another visual mash-up dedicated to Hip-Hop's 40th birthday last month. Within the quick-cuts of this two-minute preview are Godfather DJ Kool Herc, Roxanne Shante and Brand... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Nas Reviews “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Having already left his mark in Hip-Hop history, it seems Mr. Nasir Jones is focusing his efforts on a new profession: journalism. Ok not really, but his first album review, which covered Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, definitely would have been a great start. In the review Nas... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock & Camp Lo Perform “Luchini” & More

Certain songs are just time machines. Camp Lo and Pete Rock recently sat down with Heather B of the Sway In the Morning radio show to discuss their recently-released 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s Pt. II. As if that weren’t enough, Camp Lo also decide bless the mic with a live... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Sign A Petition To Rename A Brooklyn Street After Biggie Smalls

Fresh off of renaming a Brooklyn park after the Beastie Boys' MCA, Hip-Hop fans are fighting that good fight to honor another late B.K. icon. Christopher Wallace (aka The Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls) grew up on Fulton Street, between St. James and Cambridge Place in Clinton Hill—you've probably heard... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Willie D Vs. Grandmaster Melle Mel Boxing Match (Video)

To anybody who's ever learned everything about this early '90s (1992?) short-lived rapper boxing league, finding some footage is priceless. This is some two-plus minutes "Yo! MTV Raps" b-roll footage of Geto Boys O.G. Willie D fighting Grandmaster Melle Mel (of Furious Five fame). It goes without saying, these men... Read more

September 4, 2013 Throwback

Scolla – Roots

Whoo...Scolla just blazed this MF DOOM track--laid-back rhymes of substances completely in the pocket of this jazzy groove. This is Sunday music (and Monday and Tuesday...). Check out Roots. On repeat already. Related: Scolla – The Jones ft Phil Ade & Gerald Walker (Audio)... Read more

September 1, 2013 Throwback

Pusha T – Sweet Serenade ft Chris Brown (Prod. Swizz Beatz)

Pusha T is back with a hypnotic new joint that features Chris Brown on the hook and Swizz Beatz on the track. But make no mistake, Pusha's trademark steely flow and icy lyrics make this song all his. Check out Sweet Serenade. Related: No Malice – Shame The Devil ft... Read more

August 28, 2013 Throwback, Trending Stories

J-Zone On Using Deliberately Using Archaic Production Equipment (Video)

J-Zone's been around for over 15 years, but he's not exactly an old-school artist. Still, deeply influenced by Ultramagnetic MC's, Threat, Tim Dog, C-Bo and others, Jay's knowledge of Hip-Hop (see this 2011 post he's responsible for) and his love of the antiquated ways is deep. In making his return... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Goodie MOB – Soul Food (Performance Video)

It seems some of the albums we called "classics" back in the mid-'90s don't sound nearly as good today as they did when they came out. Other times, it seems that albums we weren't so liberal about calling the (other) c-word, perhaps are. Goodie Mob's 1995 debut Soul Food is... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock Breaks Down His Favorite James Brown Records

I was at a 1960s-themed event the other night, and the DJ kept playing the James Brown records that really crossed over into mainstream such as "Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." From those Pop records to some of the fabric that formed... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Yancey Boys – Quicksand ft Common & Dezi Paige

The J Dilla catalog is never-ending. One of Hip-Hop's most talented musicians recorded at a Tupac-like pace throughout his extensive and dynamic career. Recently, Dilla's younger brother Illa J (now of Slum Village/Dirty Slums) and Frank Nitt (of Frank-N-Dank) took some unreleased, largely unheard Dilla compositions, and got to work... Read more

August 27, 2013 Throwback

Billy Squier – The Big Beat (Video)

In light of Eminem's "Berzerk," I keep referencing this song. The truth is, the record has an amazing time-piece video. While it might seem cheesy, or a callback to big hair, tight Lee's, and t-top Camaros, this is a break that stays in the arsenal of your favorite producer/DJ. The... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Eminem – Berzerk (Prod. Rick Rubin)

After confirming he will be releasing a new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, in November, Eminem releases the first single. It's a return to Slim Shady mode over a heavy sample from Billy Squier's The Stroke. Check out Berzerk.... Read more

August 26, 2013 Throwback

Marley Marl on Sway In The Morning (Video)

“Hangin’ pictures on my wall / Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl” Now the term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days, but the world of Hip-Hop as we know it wouldn’t even be close to the same if it weren’t for the man mentioned in the... Read more

August 23, 2013 Throwback

Oddisee – Lonely Planet

How should an artist follow up a year that included him winning “Best Hip-Hop/Rap” album by iTunes UK? By releasing a completely instrumental LP of course. Ok, maybe that isn’t the most traditional of routes to take for an artist following one of the biggest years of their career, but... Read more

August 20, 2013 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

King Of The Beat – Looking For The Perfect Beat Trailer & Poster (Video)

There are tons of music documentaries that have come and gone throughout the years, but it seems only a few are aimed directly at us Heads. After watching the trailer for King Of Beats: Looking For The Perfect Beat however, it’s quite evident Hip-Hop heads have a documentary that they definitely... Read more

August 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Big Sean – First Chain ft Nas & Kid Cudi

Big Sean's Hall Of Fame is exfoliating some of its biggest assets. On "First Chain," Sean channels early Kanye West's penchant for Jacob The Jeweler talk, as he links with Def Jam Records big brother Nas, and contemporary/former label-mate Kid Cudi. Since the days of Nice & Smooth's "Gold," this... Read more

August 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock Discusses His “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” Sessions

My personal favorite Kanye West album is 2010's My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy. Individually, 'Ye's made songs that I've grown obsessed with on other albums (see: "Gone," "Can't Tell Me Nothing," and "Never Let Me Down"), I thought that his fifth LP hit his greatest stride in making a cohesive,... Read more

August 19, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Living Legends: Missy Elliott

"Me, I'm supa fly!" With those 4 words, Missy Elliott changed the landscape of Hip-Hop, particularly its depiction of women, forever. In 1997, Missy burst onto the scene with her single The Rain and brought a new sing-songy flow, effortlessly shifting from singing to rhyming then back again, as well... Read more

August 16, 2013 Playlists, Throwback

Juvenile – Mo Money ft Curren$y

Juvenile and Curren$y, two generations of New Orleans MCs, unite on Juvie's latest track. Mike Will made the beat. Check out Mo Money. Related: Curren$y – New Jet City (Mixtape)... Read more

August 15, 2013 Throwback

Murder Dog Magazine Celebrates 20th Anniversary

For fans of West Coast Hip Hop, especially of the Gangsta Rap variety, Murder Dog filled (and continues to fill) an important void that was left in the coverage of Hip Hop. Artists like Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, Daz Dillinger and Twista thrived in the pages of Black Dog... Read more

August 14, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Stüssy x Yo! MTV Raps – Part 1 – The Importance of Yo! MTV Raps (Video)

As we previously reported, Yo! MTV Raps turned 25 last week. To celebrate the significant anniversary and a launch of a new Yo!-inspired clothing line, Stussy has put together a dope mini-documentary on the importance of Yo! MTV Raps. The short film features several Hip-Hop luminaries such as ?uestlove, Alchemist,... Read more

August 12, 2013 Throwback

The Show (Video)

Last but not least, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the weekend Hip-Hop was born, we take a look at the role of the MC. Without a doubt, the rap game is the predominant force in Hip-Hop culture. It has gone from the chanting simple couplets to keep the... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Scratch (Video)

As we continue our all day celebration of Hip-Hop on the weekend of its 40th birthday, it's time to show some love to the DJ. The documentary Scratch is one of the best films ever on turntabilism. Scratch gives an in-depth look at the art of working the 1s and... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Style Wars (Video)

Of the 4 elements of Hip-Hop, graffiti is often the most overlooked. Films like Beat Street touched on the controversial nature and danger surrounding the graf, but it was the 1983 documentary Style Wars that showed viewers the real. The film originally aired on PBS and won the Grand Jury... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

See Shabba-Doo Before Breakin’, In The Breakin’ N Enterin’ Documentary

The movie Breakin’ introduced many to the West Coast break dancing scene but before Breakin’ there was the documentary Breakin’ N Enterin’. Breakin’ N Enterin’ is a film from 1983 that documented the then nascent LA B-boy scene and inspired the landmark dance film Breakin’. It featured many of the... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Wild Style (Video)

As we continue our all day celebration of Hip-Hop on the weekend of its 40th Anniversary, it is only fitting that we celebrate Wild Style, a 1983 film produced by Hip-Hop pioneer Charlie Ahearn that was the first glimpse of Hip-Hop culture for many of those not living and breathing... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Because They Made It That Way (Hip-Hop At 40 Years Old)

If you go by the books, Hip-Hop (I’ll spell it with capital letters since KRS-One told us to do so) turns 40 years old this month. Six summers before Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike and Master Gee drove a Lincoln Continental and great big Cadillac up the charts to a... Read more

August 10, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

The Album Heard ‘Round the World: N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton Turns 25-years Old

25 years ago yesterday, N.W.A released Straight Outta Compton and changed music forever. Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella brazenly said "F*ck The Police" (and the FBI took notice), weaved visceral tales of street life and introduced the city of Compton to the world. The Ruthless... Read more

August 9, 2013 Throwback

Nas Raises Money to Aid Homeless Family (Video)

Nas has had the most incredible 3 week stretch as a brand ambassador for hip-hop that I can ever recall. After having a Harvard Fellowship named after him and appearing on CNN to discuss the enduring effect of racism, he has now started a fund to help Stanley Young, a... Read more

August 8, 2013 Throwback

Goodie M.O.B. on RapFix Live (Video)

Goodie M.O.B. sat down with Sway on RapFix Live and discussed the old days with OutKast, whether the rumors of a new Andre 3000 album were true and dropped an a capella freestyle. Check out the videos below. Related: Goodie Mob – Special Education ft The Roots (Live Video) Part... Read more

August 8, 2013 Throwback

Yo! MTV Raps Turns 25 (Documentary Video)

Although hip-hop might not be the first words that come to mind when thinking of MTV these days, this week 25 years ago the network premiered a show that not only made history, but was crucial in spreading the hip-hop movement all around the world. On August 6, 1988 MTV... Read more

August 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Asher Roth & DJ Wreckineyez- Radical Magical Podcast: BBQ Birthday Edition (Mixtape)

Did you know Asher Roth was an old school soul head? Here's a mix curated by him that features The Gap Band, Mary Jane Girls, SOS Band, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, The Isley Brothers and more. The only thing missing is more minutes. You... Read more

August 3, 2013 Throwback

DJ Kool Herc, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane & More To Do Free NYC Park Show (Event)

If you're within a day's drive of New York City on August 10, you have an opportunity to live, breathe, hear, and see true hip-hop history. The Godfather DJ Kool Kerc, pioneer Coke La Rock, iconic MCs Big Daddy Kane & Rakim, and our friend DJ Premier are all slated... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Ice Cube, Big Sean, Bun B & DJ Drama – Coor’s Light Coldest Search (Video)

Bun B says don't disrespect hip-hop in its "Mecca," in New York, before Coor's Light's Coldest MC Search. The Silver Bullet beer enlisted the Underground King, along with Ice Cube, Big Sean and DJ Drama this year as brand ambassadors. As the video shows, attendees were blessed with performances from... Read more

August 2, 2013 Throwback

The Making of Jeru The Damaja’s Come Clean (Video)

Here's an incredibly well done documentary on the making of Jeru The Damaja's classic Come Clean. It features interviews with Jeru, DJ Premier, Talib Kweli, Special Ed, Pete Rock and more, vintage footage and photos, and priceless stories. Check out the video below. Related: The Making of Pete Rock &... Read more

August 1, 2013 Throwback

Raekwon’s Purple Tape Cassette Slipcase Edition For Sale

Last October, the friends at Get On Down Records released the trophy box deluxe edition of Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in the classic purple cassette tape format. The cases sold out (and were re-sold for hundreds to those who initially slept). Almost a year later, G.O.D. is back... Read more

August 1, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

EPMD & Redman Perform Headbanger at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The first time I heard EPMD's Headbanger was the first the first time I heard Redman and his verse DESTROYED me. The 3 united for a performance of the epic posse cut at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop festival. All that was missing was K-Solo...Check out the video. Related: Redman Performs... Read more

July 20, 2013 Throwback

Jay-Z “Picasso Baby” (Behind The Scenes Video)

Jay-Z's day-long performance of Magna Carta Holy Grail track "Picasso Baby" at the Pace Gallery this month was not just to start conversation. Hov was joined by an elite film crew. While most behind the scenes music video companions are a snooze, nothing Jay has done or said lately has... Read more

July 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback, Video