kanye west Archives

Sean “Puffy” Combs Calls Out The Blatant Racism In The Entertainment Business

Sean "Puffy" Combs is a 25-plus-year symbol of Black entrepreneurship in the music and entertainment industries. While others like Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, and Berry Gordy came before Puffy, his more modern, Hip Hop-specific prowess has placed him as one of the Rap business' elite and most enduring figures. The onetime... Read more

July 10, 2018 Fresh, Lifestyle

Swizz Beatz Says He & Nas Made An Album Together In 2016 & A Taste Is Coming

It was in the summer of 2016 that DJ Khaled released "Nas Album Done." That video single, belonging to the Miami, Florida-based DJ/producer's #1 album Major Key signaled something that eventually came to fruition—in June 2018. Last month, Nas released Nasir, a project produced entirely by Kanye West. Debuting at... Read more

July 2, 2018 Fresh

Why Kanye West Is A Genius Regardless Of His Views Outside Of Music

Kanye West's cultural influence is undeniable. Few artists, especially in Hip-Hop have had a reign as long or as far-reaching as the artist who locked himself in a room doing five a beats a day for three summers. Remember when everyone wore those terrible shutter shade sunglasses after Graduation dropped?... Read more

June 30, 2018 Food for Thought

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

June 21, 2018 Food for Thought

Pusha-T’s Jarring Video Shows The Brutality & Force That Some Of Us Know Too Well

Pusha-T has released the full version of the "If You Know You Know" music video. The visual accompaniment to the opening Daytona track began as a series of vertical shorts on streaming platforms. Now fully-produced, the first full visual from the Kanye West-produced G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records release raises the... Read more

June 20, 2018 Video

Rhymefest Rates Kanye’s Rhymes & Identifies The Beginning Of His Downfall (Video)

Che "Rhymefest" Smith and Kanye West had a bit of a public falling out recently. Well, actually, it was more like the two longtime friends and collaborators ending up at odds, with Kim Kardashian West in the middle. For those that may have missed or not followed, 'Fest had publicly... Read more

June 18, 2018 Video

Nas Finally Releases His Album…For Real This Time (Audio)

It's been six years since Nas fans were presented a full album from one of Hip-Hop's most revered lyricists. In that time, the MC has remained focused on his business ventures, including a media company, record label, TV and film production, Sweet Chick restaurants, and a massively successful equity firm.... Read more

June 15, 2018 Audio

Pusha-T Shows The Danger Of Driving While Black In His Latest Video

UPDATE: Pusha-T has released the full version of the "If You Know You Know" music video. The visual accompaniment to the opening Daytona track began as a series of vertical shorts on streaming platforms. Now fully-produced, the first full visual from the Kanye West-produced G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records release raises... Read more

June 13, 2018 Video

Kanye West Shows He Still Does Some Of His Best Work With Kid Cudi (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

June 8, 2018 Audio

J. Prince Says Drake Had A Diss Response That Would Have Ended Pusha-T’s Career (Video)

J. Prince has officially intervened in the ongoing beef between Pusha-T and Drake. The owner of Rap-A-Lot Records has served as an advisor to Drake for nearly a decade. As a multi-millionaire 30-year-exec with a reputation for no-nonsense "Geto Boy" tactics and street wisdom, the man also known as Lil... Read more

June 4, 2018 Fresh, News, Video

J. Prince & Kanye West Tell Drake & Pusha-T To Stand Down

At present, the world is waiting to see if Drake will respond to Pusha-T's ruthless diss from last week. The two longtime rivals exchanged same-day verbal haymakers on last month's "Infrared" (Pusha-T) and "Duppy Freestyle" (Drake). Those stakes were upped on T's "The Story Of Adidon," which attacked Drizzy's family,... Read more

June 4, 2018 News

Did Drake Bring Malice Out Of Retirement? The Clipse Have New Music In The Chamber.

For most of the decade, The Clipse have been on ice. Pusha-T stepped forth with a bustling solo and executive career. Meanwhile, Malice (nka No Malice) penned a memoir on his personal and spiritual transformation and began making music to reflect his life outlook. In 2017, No Malice did an... Read more

June 1, 2018 Audio, Food for Thought

Drake Demands $100K From Pusha-T For “Reviving His Career”

In the last 36 hours, there have been two songs that own the spotlight in Rap music right now. With the release of his seven-song album DAYTONA, Pusha-T closes with "Infrared." Produced by Kanye West, the track goes at Drake (who Push' has had verbal conflicts with since 2012), and... Read more

May 26, 2018 Fresh

Drake Responds To Pusha-T’s Fiery Diss With A Molotov Cocktail (Audio)

Less than 24 hours after Pusha-T threw fresh fuel on a fiery beef with Lil Wayne and Drake, Drizzy sends a Molotov Cocktail back at The Clipse co-founder. As Push' and Wayne's dozen-year-old rift has grown to involve Drake and Birdman, Drake uses the opportunity to put Kanye West's skills... Read more

May 25, 2018 Audio, News

Pusha-T Confirms Nas’ Album Is Coming Next Month & Reveals What To Expect (Video)

In less than 11 hours from now, Pusha-T (as he currently stylizes it) will unveil a long-awaited project. He publicly stated the seven-song collection "is for my family...high taste level, luxury, drug raps fans." Details have emerged that an EP titled Daytona will feature Rick Ross and Kanye West, plus... Read more

May 24, 2018 Fresh, News, Video

Snoop Gives Brutally Honest Advice To Kanye West About The Women In His Life (Video)

Over the last few weeks, Kanye West has drawn the ire of seemingly everyone, at one time or another. Whether it was due to his ongoing support of Donald Trump, his release of music seemingly designed to troll or outlandish comments about slavery, West's popularity is now at an all-time... Read more

May 19, 2018 Video

J. Cole Explains Why He Made His 1985 Diss Record Of Lil Rappers (Video)

When J. Cole speaks, it is not to be taken lightly. In recent years, the North Carolina superstar MC/producer and Dreamville label founder has shunned the public eye, or at least many of their questions. After decidedly not allowing interviews altogether for late 2016's 4 Your Eyez Only, Cole posted... Read more

May 16, 2018 Video

Pusha T’s Guest Verse Shows His New Album Is About To Be Flames (Video)

According to Kanye West's words last month, Hip-Hop Heads are just nine days away from Pusha T's third solo album (May 25). Reports from Push' and 'Ye suggest that G.O.O.D. Music's founder is producing the beats on the album for its label president, who also happens to be one of... Read more

May 16, 2018 Video

A New Video Shows The Insane Amount Of Work That Went Into Making SNL’s “A Kanye Place”

It's been a massive week for Donald Glover and his music alias, Childish Gambino. After a top-notch appearance as both host and musical guest for SNL over the weekend (May 5), Glover also released a single coupled with an incredibly powerful, intricately layered, and culturally significant music video for, "This Is... Read more

May 9, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

Donald Glover’s SNL Skit Shows What A Horror Show Kanye West Has Become (Video)

Since Kanye West returned to social media in recent weeks, it has become a 24-7 news cycle for those deeming it worthy of their attention. After a lengthy hiatus from interacting with the public, West returned to Twitter with philosophical quotes by mid-April. Gearing up for a long-awaited album, Heads... Read more

May 7, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

Charlamagne Explains Why We Should Not Abandon Kanye West (Video)

Kanye West's recent words and actions have pushed some of his biggest fans and supporters to the breaking point. The superstar rapper/producer's ongoing support of Donald Trump, conservative personality Candace Owens, and other comments made recently have some people questioning if this is all a stunt, or has 'Ye broken... Read more

May 4, 2018 Video

Christina Aguilera Recruits Ty Dolla $ign & 2 Chainz On A Kanye West Track (Video)

Christina Aguilera has not released an album since 2012's Lotus, but she's re-seizing the spotlight to let her fans know that she's far from through musically. For her first single, "Accelerate," from Liberation, she stepped into the Hip-Hop world, tapping Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz for verses, and Kanye... Read more

May 3, 2018 Video

Kanye West Explains His Mental Breakdown For The First Time (Video)

UPDATE: In a live video interview this afternoon (May 1) with TMZ, Kanye West admitted to an opioid addiction ahead of his 2016 hospitalization. "Two days before [I met with Donald Trump] I was in the hospital, I was on opioids. I was addicted to opioids. I had plastic surgery... Read more

May 1, 2018 News, Video

Kanye West Releases A Song That Proves Anyone Paying Attention To Him Is A Fool (Audio)

For the last week, Kanye West has had the internet on fire in both the best and worst possible ways. Seemingly every day, West has dominated the news cycle, with everything from epic announcements of new music produced by him on the way from Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Nas and... Read more

April 28, 2018 Audio

Kanye West Says He Produced Nas’ Next Album & Shares The Release Date

Last week, Kanye West used his rediscovered enjoyment for tweeting to announce four albums. The G.O.O.D. Music founder revealed his next release (an apparent EP), a collaboration with Kid Cudi, and new label releases from Pusha T and Teyana Taylor. Tonight (April 22), West provided some more detail on his... Read more

April 22, 2018 News

Kanye West Is Releasing A New Solo Project & A Joint Album With Kid Cudi

It has been two big years since Kanye West released an album. Since The Life Of Pablo, the life of 'Ye has been a wild ride ever since. The period marked one of West's most private periods since abruptly canceling his 2016 tour and reportedly receiving medical treatment. For months,... Read more

April 19, 2018 News

Kanye West Is Writing A Philosophy Book On Twitter. So Far, It’s Insightful

Kanye West has pushed the boundaries of what is expected from a musician, and he continues to do so. While fans are always eager to hear any new music from the superstar, his interviews and tweets are often just as anticipated. So, when he returned to Twitter last week after... Read more

April 19, 2018 Lifestyle, News

Chris Rivers Is Man Enough To Take A Kanye Classic & Make It His Own (Audio)

Still in his early twenties, Chris Rivers often makes vivid and powerful records about growing into manhood and taking on responsibility. The Bronx, New Yorker who was just entering grade school when his famous father Big Pun passed away, had a lot of navigating to do on his own. He... Read more

April 13, 2018 Audio

Virgil Abloh Becomes First African American Artistic Director At Louis Vuitton

Ever since Hip-Hop culture glorified the idea of being "paid in full," Louis Vuitton has become a status symbol of style and success in the community. In the '90s, Raekwon sported a Louis satchel when he was photographed alongside Ghostface Killah in Supreme tees. Busta Rhymes has donned several suits... Read more

March 27, 2018 Lifestyle, News, Video

Kanye Once Said He Had 40 Songs With Kendrick. 2 Collabos Now Surface. (Audio)

Kanye West is reportedly recording an album in the mountains of Wyoming. According to various sources, Nas, Pusha T, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and producer/musician/engineer Mike Dean are among the artists who have been in his company for the studio sessions dating back to 2017. Some, including Nas and Cudi,... Read more

March 23, 2018 Audio, News

Smoke DZA & Joey Bada$$ Are In The Mood To Borrow A Scarface Classic And They Wax It (Audio)

Smoke DZA is preparing to release his forthcoming project Not For Sale (April 20). In announcing the LP, he decided to link with his Smokers Club affiliate Joey Bada$$ for the Babygrande Records album's first single. "The Mood" is a tribute to all the New York City MCs that came... Read more

February 27, 2018 Audio

DMX Jumps On Kanye West’s Beat And Makes It About Real Pain (Audio)

In March of 2016, Swizz Beatz teased a remix of Kanye West's "Real Friends," from his Life of Pablo album, that featured DMX. On his Instagram post, Swizz said "Oh yeah and since we're talking @dmx new music alert ⚡️ we're ready to start it up now!!!! X is my... Read more

December 21, 2017 Audio

Nina Simone Will Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced. Following two consecutive years with Hip-Hop additions to the Cleveland, Ohio-based museum and hall (N.W.A. and Tupac Shakur), no Rap artists are selected. However, Jazz/R&B vocalist, arranger, and pianist Nina Simone is among the five honorees that also... Read more

December 13, 2017 News

CyHi The Prynce’s Gospel Is Designed To Help All Reach Their Dreams (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce's just-released “God Bless Your Heart" is the latest single from his debut LP, No Dope On Sundays due to drop this Friday (November 17). Along with a preview stream of the Sony release, the Atlanta, Georgia MC recently told NPR, “Even though it's rough in our neighborhoods,... Read more

November 14, 2017 Audio

Pusha T Says He Has “The Album Of 2018” & Kanye Did All Of The Beats

Since the official breakup of The Clipse in 2010, Pusha T has enjoyed a formidable solo career. Following two appearances (of seven verses reportedly recorded) on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Push' began a pivotal working relationship with G.O.O.D. Music. He's since released two albums, two mixtapes, and an... Read more

November 6, 2017 News

Kanye West Claps Back At His Haters On A New Collabo With CyHi The Prynce (Audio)

While Kanye West has been a mainstay in the news this year, almost none of it has been because of his music. Early in the year, Ye made headlines for his decision not to attend the 2017 Grammy Awards. In the past, he has made his disdain for their process... Read more

October 31, 2017 Audio

An Argument For Why Ghostwriting Is Good Starting With Exhibit D-R-E (Video)

The biggest MCs in Hip-Hop are talking about ghostwriting more than ever right now. Sixteen years after Puff Daddy proudly proclaimed, "Don't ask me if I write rhymes, I write checks," authorship in Rap verses is not something that anybody takes lightly. Since Meek Mill outed Drake's involvement of emerging... Read more

October 28, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Pusha T Details Grindin’ A Clipse Breakup Into Putting G.O.O.D. Numbers On The Board (Video)

Today, Pusha T is president of one of Hip-Hop's most recognized labels of the last dozen years. He's launched enduring fashion brands, committed himself to causes and charities, all in the path of a career built on elite Rap lyricism. In the latest episode of The Blueprint, King Push' sits... Read more

October 16, 2017 Video

Kendrick Lamar & Chance The Rapper Show Conscious MCs Can Make The Forbes List Too

On his song "Moment Of Clarity," JAY-Z infamously rapped "I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars / They criticized me for it, yet they all yell 'holla' / If skills sold, truth be told / I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli / Truthfully I wanna rhyme like... Read more

September 27, 2017 Lifestyle

Kanye West Killed 50 Cent AND Gangsta Rap 10 Years Ago (Video)

Ten years ago this week, Hip-Hop experienced a real watershed moment. On September 11, 2007, 50 Cent and Kanye West squared off. It was not physical. It did not even include diss tracks or beef of any kind. Instead, Graduation faced off against Curtis. Two of Hip-Hop's biggest stars of... Read more

September 9, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

A New Video Shows Why Kanye Was Hip-Hop’s Most Promising Student Upon His Graduation

Marking a dramatic shift in his career from successful producer to stadium star, Kanye West’s third album Graduation celebrates its 10th anniversary this coming Monday (September 11). Proven with time, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records LP with the upcoming birthday ushered in a new era in Hip-Hop. With Graduation, 'Ye positioned... Read more

September 5, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Says Kanye West Crossed The Line When He Talked About Jay’s Wife & Kids (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 20, 2017 Audio

JAY-Z Addresses Checking Kanye & Why They Have Not Spoken Since (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

Why MCs Avoid The Term “Christian Rap” Like It’s A Dirty Word (Video)

Less than three years ago, Lecrae reached the top of the pop charts with Anomaly. The Reach Records release, which subsequently went gold, marked a new pinnacle for what is commonly referred to as "Christian Rap." In this week's episode of TBD, Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the weird... Read more

August 12, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

O.D.B. Was One Of The First To Co-Sign Kanye As An MC. The Receipt Proves It (Audio)

In 2002, during an era where mainstream Hip-Hop appeared heavily saturated with gangsterism and hustler narratives, a preppy, middle-class, pink Polo shirt-rockin’ producer from the Chicago suburbs shocked the Rap game by signing to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records at its pinnacle. While renowned for his distinctive, soulful production, Kanye West had... Read more

August 6, 2017 Throwback

The Blueprint: How 1 Kanye West Beat Tape Changed Roc-A-Fella Records Forever (Audio)

In September of 2001, JAY-Z released his sixth album. The Blueprint was wholeheartedly a pivot. To his fans, Shawn Carter had an incredible consistent streak of quality, authenticity, and event-worthy album-making. Five years removed from his debut album, S.Dot sought a new sound, and raised the stakes in every possible... Read more

August 2, 2017 Audio

JAY-Z Delivers Raw Truths About Beyonce, Solange, Kanye & Himself (Video)

JAY-Z's "Kill Jay Z" may be the most talked about song on 4:44. While the June album's title track suggested infidelity in his marriage to Beyoncé, this record is thought to be the one that prompted Kanye West to sever exclusive ties with Jay's Tidal service, and pursue legal action... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video

Game Of Thrones: JAY-Z & Kanye West’s Battle May Be Turning Legal

"Nobody wins when the family feuds" - JAY-Z, "Family Feud." At 47-years-old, JAY-Z released 4:44, an album already being trumpeted as one of his best, and certainly a contender for 2017's most discussed. On it, the mogul offers up some of the most personal content of his career, frankly discussing his... Read more

July 2, 2017 News

JAY-Z Admits Infidelity & Explains His Issues With Kanye West On His New Album (Audio)

One of the biggest criticisms JAY-Z faced with the release of his 2013 album Magna Carta Holy Grail was that he had lost touch with the people. While Jay had always engaged in a form of aspirational Rap from the days of his "Big Willie talk" on his debut album... Read more

June 30, 2017 Audio

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video