Throwback Archives

Ever See This Cypher Featuring Big L & AG? (Video)

In the late 90s, one of the first Internet Hip-Hop shows came courtesy of 88hiphop.com. The site was far ahead of its time, as it launched when the overwhelming majority of consumers still had dial up modems. For those with the access and the patience to endure endless buffering, however,... Read more

June 4, 2016 Throwback

N.W.A. & Close Affiliates Detail The Making Of efil4zaggiN 25 Years Later

Over the last 12 months, much has been discussed about N.W.A.'s groundbreaking album Straight Outta Compton. The classic LP was given new life when the N.W.A. biopic of the same name was released. Although the film covered the entire lifespan of the group, its central focus was on the time leading... Read more

June 3, 2016 Throwback

Here’s An Oral History Of The Making Of The Fat Boys’ “All You Can Eat”

More than 30 years after its release, Krush Groove remains an all-time favorite Hip-Hop film for many. The movie, which was loosely based on the rise of Def Jam Recordings, starred Blair Underwood, Sheila E., Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow and more, and featured appearances by several acts, including Beastie Boys, LL... Read more

April 29, 2016 Throwback

Maxwell Ascended 20 Years Ago & We Haven’t Wondered About Soul Music Since (Video)

A lot of people owe their lives to Maxwell, quite literally. When the super Soul singer unleashed his Urban Hang Suite 20 years ago this month (April 2), it was a potent arrow from Cupid's quiver for lovers of music and lovers, generally. The album quickly became the soundtrack for... Read more

April 9, 2016 Throwback

Many Have Never Seen Mos Def’s First Music Video. Here It Is.

The mighty Mos Def (n/k/a Yasiin Bey) has a Hip-Hop career that spans well over 20 years. The Brooklyn, New York MC burst on the scene care of major appearances alongside De La Soul, Da Bush Babees, and DJ Honda—but he had his own thing brewing, even before Rawkus Records... Read more

March 13, 2016 Throwback

Sha Rock Was the First Female MC on National TV. Here’s Her 1981 Performance (Video)

On Valentine's Day in 1981, when Hip-Hop was by and large a completely unrecognized cultural form, national television aired the first appearance by a female rapper. 35 years later, during Woman's History Month, footage of that historic performance has re-surfaced, and it is a remarkable trip down the proverbial Memory... Read more

March 12, 2016 Throwback

Protected: Native Tongues vs. D.I.T.C. : Who’s The Better Crew?

In honor of #HipHop50, BET is celebrating the culture and the music with a bracket-style competition to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew. These are legendary collectives from different regions, styles, and generations—all vying for that #1 spot. Twenty-eight crews have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot from... Read more

January 20, 2016 Throwback

Obama is Overturning Life Sentences to Combat the War on Drugs.

President Obama has been proactive in addressing some of the major concerns of Americans, many of which were issues he campaigned on before his inauguration into the White House. One of those issues was that of incarceration, namely the exceedingly high rates of imprisonment of Americans, the overwhelming majority of... Read more

December 28, 2015 News, Throwback

Mr. Serv-On Says He, Master P & 1990s No Limit Soldiers Will Tour Together

Between 1996 and 2002, No Limit Records released a number of platinum, gold, and chart-topping albums. Master P's label, featuring a number of home-grown talents (TRU, Mr. Serv-On, Mia X, Skull Duggery) would sprout to include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and Young Bleed. Launched in 1991, the label would be instrumental... Read more

July 26, 2015 News, Throwback

When A$AP Rock Freestyles…Anything Goes. Witness an MC Who is Truly Fearless (Video)

A$AP Rocky is fearless. As sales of his just released AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP album will soon show, he is currently one of the most successful rappers in the game. That said, he is unafraid to freestyle, "off the top," say ANYTHING and have fun. Rocky joined the Sway in the Morning show,... Read more

May 28, 2015 Throwback

Adrian Younge Never Stops Creating. Glimpse Into His Linear Labs (Album Stream)

PRhyme member Adrian Younge is always busy, but never stagnant. The Los Angeles, California-based producer/musician is currently wrapping up the Another Life album with Bilal, he's planning a sequel to Twelve Reasons To Die with Ghostface Killah, and he's reportedly concocting more rawness with his band-mates DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9".... Read more

May 19, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Do Remember: When Charles Hamilton Passed The Mic To An Unknown Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Miss Lauryn Hill once eloquently rhymed, "Seasons change, mad things re-arrange." In life, love, and Hip-Hop, is this not a rugged truism? As the world shifts, there are some interesting cycles. This week in the culture, Kendrick Lamar took center-stage, giving Heads a name for his sophomore major label album,... Read more

March 12, 2015 Throwback

Jim-E-O and Emilio Rojas Rap About the Paper Chase Without Glorification (Audio)

New Haven-bred MC Jim-E-O teams with Emilio Rojas on the remix to "Sky All Grey." The song talks about the constant grind for money without glorifying it. Jim-E-O vows that the Rap game will be how he legitimately earns his way, while Rojas raps about the days of praying he... Read more

December 22, 2014 Throwback

Cookin’ Soul Adds Some BOOM BAP to Kool G. Rap, Large Professor & Big Noyd’s Naturally Born (Audio)

Nearly two years ago, Kool G. Rap, Large Professor and Big Noyd released "Naturally Born" as part of Coalmine Records' Unearthed compilation. The track, which was produced by Ayatollah, featured a soulful sample and strong verses from each of the veteran wordsmiths. Now, Cookin' Soul, the production duo known for... Read more

November 28, 2014 Throwback

Did You Know Big Daddy Kane Produced Nearly All of His 1st Album? Kane Speaks (Audio)

Here's another incredibly dope interview from the archives of Shawn Setaro, former Editor-In-Chief of Rap Genius and current curator of TheCipherShow.com. Early last year, he had a super in-depth interview with Big Daddy Kane--so deep, in fact, that Kane openly said no one had ever asked him some of the... Read more

October 26, 2014 Throwback

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Reflect on the Struggle in Their Hometown Chicago (Video)

Lil Herb teams with fellow Chicago natives Common and Chance the Rapper on the remix to Fight or Flight. The soulful track is highly conducive to head-nodding but the themes of their verses are mournful, not joyful. As Common did throughout his entire Nobody's Smiling album, the trio focuses on... Read more

August 29, 2014 Throwback

B.o.B. Makes a Song Reminiscent of 2Pac, KRS, Public Enemy & Other Hip-Hop Revolutionaries (Audio)

B.o.B. has released one of the most powerful songs of his career. Hip-Hop has stood up in droves in light of what is happening in Ferguson, MO, right now. And, the messages have come from many different perspectives. B.o.B. has taken the opportunity for a call to action among African-Americans... Read more

August 19, 2014 Throwback

M.O.P., DJ Premier Scratches & A Classic ’80s Pop Loop Equals Amazing (Audio)

M.O.P. and First Family have been around for 25 years. However, Billy Danze and Lil Fame (who now only goes by Fame) started making some serious noise when they crossed paths with DJ Premier in the early 1990s. With the Brownsville, Brooklyn duo's rugged microphone assaults, a Premo scratch-chorus only... Read more

July 31, 2014 Throwback

What Do You Get When You Mix SZA & Jill Scott? Divinity (Audio)

Here's the 2nd release of the week from TDE's SZA. It's another moody track and it's infused with the vocals of the one and only Jill Scott. The result? Divinity. Check it out. Related: SZA - Moodring (Audio)... Read more

July 10, 2014 Throwback

You Will Not Look at Puppets the Same After Seeing Jazmine Sullivan’s Visuals for Dumb (Video)

After returning with "Dumb," another power anthem for women who have been wronged, Jazmine Sullivan follows up with the video. The visuals employ puppets in all sorts of compromising positions, providing comic relief but also reinforcing the message that there are a lot of dummies out there...literally. Check it out.... Read more

July 8, 2014 Throwback

Timeless Truth Breathe New Life Into New York Hip-Hop With Old School Samples (Audio)

Coming from Flushing, Queens, Oprime39 and Solace are two up and coming New York artists that, when together, morph into the Hip-Hop duo Timeless Truth. Timeless is the simplest way to describe their sound, and their latest cut, "Trife," is no exception. Production from Fafu flood the streets with cooing... Read more

June 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Heaven Can’t Wait For Common On Kingdom (Audio)

Soothing church house vocals give Common the keys to the "Kingdom" for his latest single. Produced by fellow Chicagoan and frequent collaborator, No I.D., the angelic piece is blessed by Common's new perspective in death as he stands in front of the pearly gates as "Chicago's prodigal son." The track's... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Resurfaces for a Performance of Babylon with SZA (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been quiet lately. The TDE MC who largely owned 2013 has been holed up in the lab preparing to control 2014...He recently resurfaced, however, in support of his TDE label mate, SZA. Check out the video of their performance of Babylon from her album. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

May 29, 2014 Throwback

Alex Trebek Recites Cypress Hill & The Beastie Boys. He Will Keep the Day Job…(Video)

Earlier in the year, a clip of Jeopardy's Alex Trebek reciting lyrics from Biggie, Dr. Dre, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy provided a minute and change of comic relief. Apparently, the show's producers have a dark sense of humor because they've once again given him a Rap category, forcing... Read more

May 16, 2014 Throwback

Here’s a Super Ill Concept Mixtape of Ghostface Killah’s Best Storytelling Songs (Mixtape)

Trackstar the DJ (in conjunction with UpNorthTrips and TheSmokingSection) has put together a "concept mixtape" showcasing the storytelling ability of Ghostface Killah. The project, Ghost Stories: Ghostface Killah's Storytelling Raps, features some of Ghost's most choice narration. The beats are on point too...This is a great concept. We hope to... Read more

April 23, 2014 Throwback

Tony Yayo is Back with a Vengeance…and He Brought Joell Ortiz & Uncle Murda. This is New York Life (Audio)

Tony Yayo goes in with Joell Ortiz and Uncle Murda over a track that is hard as nails. This is New York Life. Related: Young Buck & Game Hit The Studio For The First Time In Almost 10 Years (Video)... Read more

April 3, 2014 Throwback

Here’s a Playlist Celebrating the Life & Legacy of the 1 and Only Nate Dogg (Audio)

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Nate Dogg on the 3rd anniversary of his passing, here's a playlist of some of the many jewels he dropped on the Hip-Hop nation. Press play, sit back and vibe out to the sounds of Hip-Hop's greatest hook man. Related: RIP Nate... Read more

March 15, 2014 Throwback

Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad & SZA Discuss OXYMORON (Video)

There have been several videos promoting the release of Schoolboy Q's OXYMORON, but this is one of the best. As they did when Kendrick Lamar released good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Google Play has put together a short film about Q and OXYMORON. He speaks candidly about battling addiction, the process... Read more

March 2, 2014 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

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

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

Pusha T Talks About What it Would Take for a Clipse Reunion Album and His Album Being the Best of the Year with Zane Lowe (Audio)

Pusha T says he “turns down features all the time,” and maintains that he’s got “album of the year” to Zane Lowe. The Clipse lyricist sits down at BBC Radio for a discussion about 2013, his My Name Is My Name solo debut, and why he refuses to phone-in features,... Read more

December 2, 2013 Throwback

Vic Mensa Was Already a Microphone Beast in 2010. Here’s Proof…Children of the Sun (Audio)

Vic Mensa, along with Chance the Rapper, is one of the breakout Hip-Hop stars of 2013. Some may know him from Kids These Days and he's only flourished now that he's gone solo. Even when he was with the band, he dabbled in some solo material and he's released a... Read more

November 30, 2013 Throwback

Redman and Method Man Rock Paris (Full Concert Video)

You may have caught this concert before. If so, it's still great holiday viewing and, if not, get ready to be entertained by 2 Hip-Hop heavyweights leaving it all on the stage. The dynamic duo of Redman and Method Man made their way to Paris last year and rocked out... Read more

November 28, 2013 Throwback

Young Buck & Game Hit The Studio For The First Time In Almost 10 Years

Wow. In a year that's seen Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight photographed together, Jay Z and Dame Dash caught in a flick together, it now goes to the G-Unit camp, or former camp, together in the studio. In the falling out of Game from G-Unit in 2005, Buck was one... Read more

November 21, 2013 Throwback

Talib Kweli Says Follow Him Down the Wormhole in His Latest Single (Audio)

Talib Kweli takes rappers to task for kicking false knowledge in his latest single. Illuminati? Materialism? Corrupt government? All in Kweli's cross hairs. He says follow him down the Wormhole, if you want the real. Check it out. Related: Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru (Video)... Read more

November 2, 2013 Throwback

Mary J. Blige and Nas’ Rise Up Shepherd & Follow is the First R&B and Hip-Hop Christmas Collabo of the Season (Audio)

It's way too early for Christmas music, right? Not when it comes courtesy of Mary J. Blige and Nas...Nasir and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul have come together for an inspirational and soulful Christmas song that is more anthem than carol. Check out Rise Up Shepherd and Follow from the... Read more

October 31, 2013 Throwback

Yancey Boys, T3 and C-Minus Trade Verses on a Dope Previously Unreleased Dilla Beat on Jeep Volume (Audio)

J. Dilla passed away more than 7 years ago but he lives on through his music. Yancey Boys (Frank Nitt & Dilla's brother Illa J) have unearthed a previously unreleased Dilla production and gone to work on it with C-Minus and Slum Village's T3. The beat sounds like it is... Read more

October 22, 2013 Throwback

Serial Killers (Xzibit, Demrick and Cypress Hill’s B-Real) Release Legends Never Die Featuring Ea$y Money and Produced by Statik Selektah (Audio)

The latest release from the recently formed group Serial Killers (comprised of Xzibit, B-Real and Demrick) is driven by an acoustic guitar and has a vibe similar to some of Everlast's solo material post-House of Pain. It is reflective and moody, yet catchy. Check out the aptly titled Legends Never... Read more

October 11, 2013 Throwback

Smif N Wessun – Solid Ground ft Junior Reid

There are times when artists swerve from their usual style and a train wreck ensues, however sometimes, it just works. The latest from Smif N Wessun is a prime example of the latter. Digressing from the sound of their previous releases, the Brooklyn MCs are releasing a new 6 song... Read more

October 10, 2013 Throwback

The Making Of Ice Cube’s It Was A Good Day (Video)

It's been just over 20 years since Ice Cube unveiled his most-known solo record, "It Was A Good Day." The Predator single is a staple in the G-Funk canon, and something that while is very South Central-specific in its imagery, has been a tangible song to pretty much everybody who... Read more

October 10, 2013 Throwback

Pusha T Decodes Nosetalgia (Video)

In the ongoing series, Pusha T sits with Life + Times to discuss "Nosetalgia," his much-talked about Kendrick Lamar collaboration from My Name Is My Name, released today. This is one of the biggest collaborations of 2013. Related: Pusha T – Decodes King Push (Video)... Read more

October 8, 2013 Throwback, Video

DJ Premier vs. DJ Whoo Kid on The Whoolywood Shuffle (Video)

DJ Premier sat down with DJ Whoo Kid and told Hip-Hop stories for days. Primo spoke on being the official DJ for The Cypher, Gang Starr, the original more controversial version of KRS-One's Outta Here, his relationships with Big L, Kanye, Tupac, Jay Z and more. Check out the video... Read more

October 7, 2013 Throwback

Pusha T – My Name is My Name (Album Stream)

Can't wait to hear Pusha T's My Name is My Name album? Not to worry, Pusha has released a full stream of the album for your listening pleasure. The album features guest verses from Kendrick Lamar, Jeezy, Pharrell and more, as well as production from Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Nottz,... Read more

October 1, 2013 Throwback

Thundercat & The Roots – Heartbreaks + Setbacks Performance (Video)

One of the best parts about having The Roots on "Late Night" with Jimmy Fallon is the exposure to new music. Heads can often hope that whether Mac Miller's artistic evolution, De La Soul deep cuts, or Big K.R.I.T's breakthrough, that bedrooms and living-rooms everywhere are getting exposed to better... Read more

October 1, 2013 Fresh, Throwback, Video

2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher Artists Announced

Taped tonight in Atlanta, BET's 2013 Hip-Hop Awards is coming on October 15 at 8pm EST. With the cyphers already making big noise on Twitter (especially from the Aftermath Entertainment camp), here are all 34 participants, as reported by BET.com. This year's lineup features the usual breakthrough artists (Action Bronson,... Read more

September 29, 2013 Throwback

Schoolboy Q – The Process (Video)

Schoolboy Q discusses growing up in LA, writing his first rhymes, the process for creating Oxymoron and more with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar Perform Collard Greens (Video)... Read more

September 22, 2013 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

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