Playlists Archives

Twenty-Two 2’s: A Playlist of Some of the Best 1-2 Combos in Hip-Hop (Playlist)

22 2's... There have been a lot of dope groups with two MCs over the years. Which dynamic duo is the best? We've assembled a playlist of 22 groups with 2 MCs. You'll hear music from A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep, OutKast, Cypress Hill, Tha Dogg Pound, M.O.P., Little... Read more

March 29, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

AFH: The Sweet 16 Playlist (Audio)

As you gear up for the NCAA Sweet 16, here's another type of sweet 16. Check out 16 of the best hip-hop songs from 16 years ago--1997 to be exact. You'll hear music from Biggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac, Scarface, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Tha Dogg Pound, KRS-One, Camp Lo, The Firm,... Read more

March 28, 2013 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Back in the Day for the B-Boys & B-Girls (Playlist)

Here's one for the former (or current) B-Boys and B-Girls out there. If you dig that back in the day (pre-G-Funk) popping and locking music that influenced the Cali breakin' scene, this one's for you. You'll hear music from artists like Malcolm McLaren, Timex Social Club, The L.A. Dream Team,... Read more

March 22, 2013 Playlists, Throwback

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of February 2013 Playlist (Audio)

As we say hello to March, here's a look back at some of the best hip-hop to drop in February. This playlist features music from Redman & Method Man, Tha Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, 50 Cent & Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Ghostface, Raekwon, Action Bronson,... Read more

March 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Living Legends: De La Soul (Playlist)

As we approach the 24th anniversary of the release of De La Soul's game-changing 3 Feet High and Rising album (released in March 1989), it's just plain ridiculous how little recognition they get as one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time. Not only did De La revolutionize the... Read more

February 23, 2013 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

AFH: The Presidential Playlist (Audio)

Here's a Presidential Playlist through the lens of hip-hop. You'll hear music about dead presidents (Biggie, Rakim, Nas, Joey Bada$$), presidential impact (NWA, dead prez, Crooklyn Dodgers), presidential dreams (2Pac, Jay-Z, Gang Starr, Kurtis Blow, Run-D.M.C.) and more. You can listen to the entire playlist here and a shortened version... Read more

February 18, 2013 Audio, Playlists

Happy 50th Birthday to Michael Jordan (Playlist)

Salute to His Airness Michael Jordan who turned 50 years old today. Here's a playlist featuring ESPN's picks for his 23 greatest moments on the court, as well as a few joints with name checks from some of his many fans in hip-hop, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. Check... Read more

February 17, 2013 Audio, Playlists, Video

AFH: For the Love of Hip-Hop (Playlist)

We do it all for the love, y'all...the love of hip-hop. On this Valentine's Day, here's a playlist celebrating the many expressions of love in hip-hop. You'll hear music from Nas, OutKast, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Method Man, Slum Village, Heavy D, Mos Def, UGK and more. Check... Read more

February 14, 2013 Audio, Playlists

Living Legends: Grand Puba (Playlist)

There are few MCs that are more overlooked in discussions of the great ones than Grand Puba. Whether solo or as part of Brand Nubian, Puba's buttery and distinctive flow always leaps out and makes an incredible impression. Here's a (mostly video) playlist celebrating the one and only Grand Puba... Read more

February 13, 2013 Playlists, Throwback

AFH: Best of January 2013 Playlist (Audio)

January is typically a slow month for music but it got off to a good start this year. Here's a playlist of some of the best music to drop this month. You'll hear new songs from Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, Yelawolf, Talib Kweli, Joey Bada$$, Big K.R.I.T., Havoc, Prodigy,... Read more

January 31, 2013 Audio, Playlists

Lord Finesse – Crate Diggers + Playlist of His Songs & Productions (Video + Audio)

Lord Finesse may be one of the most slept on talents in hip-hop EVER. As a double threat MC/producer, he had a legendary run in the 90's, releasing acclaimed underground albums and producing tracks for artists like Big L, Biggie, Dr. Dre, OC, Fat Joe and more. Here's an interview... Read more

January 23, 2013 Playlists, Video

Celebrating MLK and Inauguration Day (Playlist)

Today is a day of reflection and hope. We look back on the monumental impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and look forward with optimism to the next four year's under 44's leadership. Here's a playlist celebrating the legacy of Dr. King and the inauguration of President Obama for... Read more

January 21, 2013 Playlists

The Battle for LA – Back in the Day vs. Current Day (Playlist)

As you watch the Clippers and the Lakers battle for LA on the court, here's a playlist of some back in the day LA hip-hop (NWA, Dr. Dre, Snoop) and some current day LA hip-hop (Black Hippy, Still Dre) that symbolizes the proverbial passing of the torch. No matter who... Read more

January 4, 2013 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

AFH: The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2012 (Audio Playlist)

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December 27, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Merry Christmas from AFH – Playlist & 2012 Christmas Eve Mix from Kook DJ Red Alert & Funkmaster Flex (Audio)

Here's a Christmas hip-hop playlist for you, as well as the entire 5 hour 2012 annual Christmas Eve mix from Kool DJ Red Alert and Funkmaster Flex. Related: Freeway – Black Santa (Mixtape) Here is the Kool DJ Red Alert & Funkmaster Flex Mix: Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3... Read more

December 25, 2012 Playlists

Ambrosia For Heads – The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2012 (Part 1)

In looking back, there was a lot of great hip-hop released in 2012. So much so that we decided to do our year in review in 2 parts. Here's part 1 of a 2-part playlist of the best songs of the year. Part 1 covers Jan - June and you'll... Read more

December 22, 2012 Audio, Playlists

This is…the REMIX (Audio Playlist)

It used to be remixes were a BIG deal. Unlike now, where an extra verse from a featured rapper constitutes a remix, remixes were often wholly-different takes on a song. The track was substantially different than the original and sometimes there were completely new verses. Here's a playlist of some... Read more

December 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Andre 3000: The Guest Verses Playlist (Audio)

It's been more than 9 years since Andre 3000 released an album of material. Though he's fallen back, he never fell off. Dude has been CRUSHING featured verse after featured verse. Here's a playlist of some of his best guest appearances over the years. You can listen to the entire... Read more

December 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists

AFH Best of November Playlist (Audio)

As November winds down, here's a playlist of some of the dope music that dropped (and there's a lot) this month. You'll hear new music from Redman, Ghostface & Sheek Louch, Masta Killa, T.I. & Andre 3000, KRS-One, Rick Ross, Dead Pres & Nas, Big Boi, Freeway, Wiz Khalifa, Joe... Read more

November 30, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Happy Thanksgiving from AFH (Playlist)

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Heads out there. Here's a mini-playlist celebrating BIG appetites. Related: A video playlist celebrating the one and only Heavy D (Video)... Read more

November 22, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

A mix and video playlist to celebrate the life of Heavy D (Mixtape & Video Playlist)

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the day we lost Heavy D. As has become customary on the anniversary of these losses, Mister Cee did a tribute mix celebrating the life and music of the Overweight Lover. You can listen to and download the mix (props to 2DBZ) and also... Read more

November 8, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Playlists, Throwback, Video

AFH Best of October 2012 Playlist featuring new music from Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, Redman, Meek Mill, CL Smooth and more (Audio Playlist)

No doubt about it, the end of October sucked for the East Coast. Before that, it was shaping up to be one of the best months of the year for hip-hop. Here's a playlist of some of the best music to drop. You'll hear songs from Yasiin Bey, Phonte, Redman,... Read more

November 3, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Ice Cube vs. Public Enemy (Playlist)

Many issues will be discussed tonight in presidential debate #2 but how many will be relevant to the hip-hop nation? Before we look forward, let's re-examine the history of the state of the union through the eyes of 2 of hip-hop's strongest political voices: Ice Cube and Chuck D. Here's... Read more

October 16, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s our playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of September. You can listen to the entire compilation below (Audio)

Before we get too deep into October, let's take a look back at some of the music that dropped in September. Here's a playlist of some of the Best Hip-Hop of September. You'll hear music from Pharoahe Monch, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Freddie Gibbs, Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, Jeah... Read more

October 5, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here’s a playlist celebrating the career of the legendary Method Man (Audio)

Clifford Smith. Johnny Blaze. Tical. No matter the moniker used, after nearly 20 years of shredding mics, Method Man is the epitome of a hip-hop Living Legend. He is the latest hip-hop icon we recognize in our series where we celebrate our legends while we still have them. Here's a... Read more

September 28, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a playlist celebrating the legendary career of Mary J. Blige (Audio)

Mary J. Blige is not an MC...but she has been the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul for more than 20 years. She is the next artist we salute as part of our Living Legends series where we celebrate the careers of our hip-hop icons while we still have them. Here's a... Read more

September 8, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a playlist of some of the best new (mostly) hip-hop in August. You’ll hear songs from Nas & Scarface, Slaughterhouse, Kendrick Lamar, Talib Kweli, Rapsody, Xzibit, Ras Kass, ATCQ & The Pharcyde, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Asher Roth, Childish Gambino, Murs & Fashawn, Stalley, Dwele and many more (Audio Playlist)

It picks up in the middle, but mostly this is music to vibe to. Check it out. Related: Best of July 2012 (Audio Playlist)... Read more

September 1, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here are playlists celebrating the 20+ year career of Common (Audio & Video)

If Common had stopped rhyming in the NINETIES he'd still be a Living Legend. But, he didn't stop...Now, after more than 20 years in the game, he is a hip-hop titan and continues to release some of the best music of his career. Whether solo or collabo he has some... Read more

August 23, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Coast 2 Coast: Where East meets West on Wax (Audio Playlist)

Here's a playlist of songs featuring MCs from the east rhyming over West Coast (primarily G-Funk) beats. You'll hear music from Nas, Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Redman, Raekwon, Biggie and more. Related: How the West Was Won: the evolution of West Coast hip-hop (Playlist)... Read more

August 22, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim: here’s the playlist that settles the debate once and for all…or does it? (Playlist)

Rakim's recent interview discussing the rivalry he had at one time with Big Daddy Kane rekindled the chatter about which MC would win in a battle. Since that battle likely will never occur, we decided to take matters into our own hands to settle the debate once and for all.... Read more

August 10, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a playlist celebrating the 21+ year career of the legendary DJ Quik (Audio)

DJ Quik is in the muthaf*ckin house! And, he's been here for more than 21 years dropping joint after joint after joint. People often forget there's more than 1 legendary producer/MC from Compton. Not today. DJ Quik is the latest legend we pay tribute to in our Living Legends series.... Read more

August 8, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a playlist featuring some of the best hip-hop to drop during the month. You’ll hear songs featuring Redman, Andre 3000, KRS-One, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Slaughterhouse, Childish Gambino, Big K.R.I.T., Kanye West, J. Cole, Beanie Sigel, Elzhi, Nas and many more (Audio)

Click below to listen to the whole thing. Related: Best of May and June 2012 Playlist (Audio)... Read more

August 2, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here’s a playlist featuring some of the incredible (neo) soul sisters in the 90’s. You’ll hear music from Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Zhane, Angie Stone, Amel Larrieux and many more (Audio)

Check it out below. Related: Do What U Gotta Do (Video)... Read more

July 29, 2012 Audio, Playlists

J. Cole – The Cure

J. Cole always BLACKS OUT on Kanye beats (witness below). His new song The Cure is no exception. He spits that flame, Warm Up style, over the Lift Off track from Watch the Throne. Check it out below. Cole world...Related: J. Cole interview with DJ Drama (Video) Here are a... Read more

July 27, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Living Legends: Here’s a playlist celebrating the 18+ year career of OutKast (Audio)

How do you say Living Legends with one word? OutKast. Big Boi and Andre 3000 completely re-shaped the perception of hip-hop, particularly Southern hip-hop, when their album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik dropped in 1994 and they've continued to change the game for 18 years strong. Though they haven't released an album together since... Read more

July 25, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Happy Birthday GURU (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to GURU who would have been 51 today. Here's a (mostly) video playlist celebrating a life of Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Related: DJ Premier GURU Tribute Mix (Audio)... Read more

July 17, 2012 Playlists, Video

Slaughterhouse interview with FUSE and playlist of their non-hip-hop musical influences (Video)

Slaughterhouse sits down with FUSE to talk about why their album was delayed, possibly dropping a mixtape in the interim, their non-hip-hop musical influences (BROAD) and their potential collabo with Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock (aka Black Hippy--Joe Budden says it's a priority). Get ready...Check out the... Read more

July 13, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Video

Here’s a (mostly) video playlist of Redman joints to take you on a journey through his 20-year career (Video Playlist)

Redman. Reggie Noble. Whatever name you use for him, it's synonymous with dope MC. 2012 marks 20 years since the release of Redman's debut album Whut? Thee Album and his mind-bending verse on EPMD's Headbanger, and he has been blazing the mic ever since. Because of his undeniable contribution to... Read more

July 11, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video

Nas performs at the Openair Frauenfeld Festival in Zurich (Video Playlist)

Nas performed recently at the Openair Fraunfeld Festival in Zurich. He did several songs including Daughters, NY State of Mind, It Ain't Hard to Tell, Represent, The World is Yours, Made You Look, If I Ruled The World (with Lauryn Hill) and more. Check out the performances below. Related: Nas... Read more

July 8, 2012 Playlists, Video

Salute to Eric B & Rakim. 7/7 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of their landmark album Paid in Full. Hip-hop has never been the same since that day. Here’s a video playlist of some of the gems from that classic album (Video)

Related: Playlist celebrating the career of Rakim (Video)... Read more

July 6, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video

Here’s a playlist celebrating the career of the legendary blastmaster KRS-One (Audio)

KRS-One has been in the game for 25 years. Ever since Criminal Minded dropped in 1987, the Blastmaster has been teaching and repping hip-hop culture. We celebrate him and his music in this latest installment of our living legends series where we pay homage to our hip-hop greats while we... Read more

June 30, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

A lot of hot hip-hop has dropped over the last couple of months. Here’s a playlist featuring some of the best joints from May and June (Audio)

You'll find music from Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Brother Ali, Dom Kennedy, Phife Dawg, MF DOOM, Big Boi, Big K.R.I.T., MMG, Kanye West, T.I., Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Childish Gambino, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Pac Div, Goodie Mob, Large Professor, Snoop Dogg and much more. If you're down... Read more

June 28, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Salute to Michael Jackson the King of Pop (Video Playlist)

We lost Michael Jackson 3 years ago today. To celebrate his life, here's a look at his 3 most epic videos (Thriller, Remember the Time and Scream) and the performance of Billie Jean at the Motown 25 celebration that changed the game forever. RIP to the King of Pop. Related:... Read more

June 25, 2012 Playlists, Video

Here’s a back in the day (mostly) video playlist to get you through the day. You’ll hear music from Redman, Grand Puba, The Roots, Chubb Rock, Mobb Deep, Heavy D, The Beatnuts and more (Video Playlist)

Just press play, sit back and take a journey back to the 90's. Related: Back in the Day 80's Hip-Hop Playlist (Audio)... Read more

June 20, 2012 Playlists, Throwback, Video

Yuna – Video Playlist and Interview (Video)

Yuna is a special artist. I first heard her when she did a haunting cover of Nirvana's Come As You Are. A few weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to hear her sing live and was blown away. Here's a video playlist of some of her performances from Billboard,... Read more

June 19, 2012 Playlists, Video

Happy Birthday 2Pac (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to the immortal outlaw Tupac Shakur, who would have been 41 today. Here's a video playlist celebrating the born day of a true icon. Related: 2Pac Hologram performs at Coachella (Video) and Kendrick Lamar discusses what 2Pac meant to him (Video)... Read more

June 16, 2012 Playlists, Video

Living Legends: A Playlist Celebrating the Career of the One and Only Rakim (Playlist)

Watching Rakim perform last night (see footage below) was a reminder of why he has nicknames like the God MC and Rakim Allah. There was a good 5-10 year stretch where there was NO QUESTION who the GOAT was. The debate started at #2, after the R. For these reasons... Read more

June 13, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

2DBZ: Bring the muthaf*cking Rawkus!

Here's a great article from 2DBZ on the rise and fall of Rawkus Records. Check out the intro to the article below, as well as a re-post of our Rawkus Records playlist below. Click here for the full article. Also, click here to see where Rawkus landed on our list... Read more

June 1, 2012 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Birthday Tribute (Playlist)

Happy Birthday to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. We miss you. Here's a playlist celebrating her life. Related: Aaliyah Tribute Video Playlist Birthday by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more

May 27, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here’s a playlist celebrating the career of the legendary Snoop Dogg (Playlist)

It's easy to take Snoop Dogg for granted. You don't think so? Ask yourself. When is the last time you included the Boss Dogg in your list of Top 10 MCs or even put him in the discussion? There is no question he should be in the discussion but he... Read more

May 24, 2012 Audio, Playlists