old school Archives

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

I Got a Story to Tell…Here’s a Playlist Dedicated to the Art of Storytelling in Rhymes (Audio)

Many MCs have witty punch lines, but a rare few have the ability to tell a full and engaging story over 48 bars and 3 hooks. Here's a playlist dedicated to some of Hip-Hop's artful storytellers. You know the names: Nas, Biggie, Slick Rick, Eminem, KRS-One, Ice Cube, Jay Z,... Read more

January 12, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Mister Cee Pays Tribute to Heavy D with a Mix (Audio)

Rest in peace to Heavy D who passed away 2 years ago today. Mister Cee paid tribute to the Overweight Lover with a mix which you can stream and download below. Related: A mix and video playlist to celebrate the life of Heavy D (Mixtape & Video Playlist)... Read more

November 8, 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

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

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

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

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

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

Living Legends: Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Audio Playlist)

Pete Rock has long gotten credit for being one of the most influential hip-hop producers of all time. Recently, there has also been a bit of a spike in interest in Pete Rock & CL Smooth, particularly in light of their announcement that they are remaking their classic Mecca &... Read more

July 23, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists

The Illest Drum Machine Collection Ever (Video)

Boston-based Get On Down Records has done crazy re-issues like Raekwon's Only Built 4 Linx... purple tape edition, Nas' Illmatic gold CD, and The Fat Boys' pizza box album. In their Beantown offices, the owners have an amazing collection of drum machines. Rob @ Unkut hit up the offices and... Read more

July 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Snoop Dogg, Warren G & Nate Dogg – It Ain’t No Fun (Original Version) ft Kurupt

Now THIS IS CRAZY!!! Here's the ORIGINAL version of Snoop, Warren G, Nate Dogg and Kurupt's classic It Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None) before the good Doctor touched it. This is so OG it was ripped from a cassette!! Get this goodness. Related: Warren G -... Read more

June 19, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Celebrate Father’s Day With A Tribute To Some Of The Men Who Raised Hip-Hop

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there from AFH. Here's an old school playlist from some of the fathers of hip-hop. You'll hear music from artists like Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Whodini, LL Cool J, The Fat Boys, Doug E. Fresh & Slick... Read more

June 16, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Living Legends: Queen Latifah (Video Playlist)

All hail the Queen...Latifah, that is. As one of the first ladies of hip-hop, she blazed the trail not only for women MCs but also for positivity and self-respect in hip-hop. After nearly 25 years in the game, her reign continues as an artist, actress and overall luminary. Today, we... Read more

May 31, 2013 Throwback

Bobbito Garcia (aka DJ Cucumber Slice) Guest DJs on the Sway in the Morning Show (Mix)

Legendary hip-hop personality Bobbito Garcia put on nothing short of a HIP-HOP CLINIC on the Sway in the Morning show. As a guest DJ, Bobbito (aka DJ Cucumber Slice) played a treasure trove of break beats and original songs that have been sampled on various hip-hop classics (all vinyl...). You... Read more

May 29, 2013 Throwback

Pete Rock – The Boiler Room Hip-Hop and R&B Classics Mix (Audio)

Here's a 60+ minute mix of R&B and hip-hop classics from the Chocolate Boy Wonder, Pete Rock. This is guaranteed to make your day better. You can listen to and download the entire mix below. Related: Pete Rock: Reminisce for a Spell Documentary (Video)... Read more

May 15, 2013 Audio, Mixes

AFH: Salute to the Mother’s of Hip-Hop (Playlist)

Salute to all the mother's out there from AFH. Here's a playlist of some of the first generation of women rappers--the mother's of hip-hop--dedicated to you. You'll hear music from MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, Ms. Melodie, Monie Love, The Sequence, Sha Rock, Salt-N-Pepa, Yo-Yo and more. You can... Read more

May 12, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Living Legends: MC Lyte (Playlist)

Having been in the game 25 years strong, there is still no MC (male or female) who rhymes harder than MC Lyte. She is the latest hip-hop Living Legend who's contribution to the culture we celebrate. Check out the (mostly) video playlist of some of Lyte's toughest joints below. Related:... Read more

April 26, 2013 Playlists, Throwback

DJ Scratch in the Mix on the Sway in the Morning Show (Mix)

The legendary DJ Scratch (producer of countless EPMD classics and DJ extraordinaire) dropped an unbelievable mix on the Sway in the Morning show today. He dropped everything from Mantronix to LL Cool J to Art of Noise to EPMD to vintage Busta Rhymes and more break beats than you can... Read more

April 4, 2013 Throwback

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

Living Legends: Ice Cube (Playlist)

After more than 25 years in the game, there is no question the OG Ice Cube is a living legend. Before acting, producing and becoming a media mogul, Cube was one of the most powerful and political voices in hip-hop. During a time of raging gang wars, police brutality and... Read more

March 27, 2013 Audio, 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: Nate Dogg Tribute (Playlist)

SXSW is always bitter sweet for me now. On the one hand, there is really no better experience on earth for a music lover. No matter what genre of music you like and no matter what type of artist (mainstream or cutting-edge underground) there is more than you could consume... Read more

March 15, 2013 Audio, Throwback

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

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

The (Lost) Art of Beatboxing (Playlist)

Whatever happened to beatboxing? There was a time back in the day when it was so prominent, some even considered it the 5th element of hip-hop. Here's a playlist of old school joints showcasing some of the skills of legendary beatboxers. You'll hear music for DJ Jazzy Jeff & The... Read more

January 7, 2013 Throwback

Public Enemy will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013

Salute to Public Enemy! The iconic group will be the latest hip-hop act to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Below is our playlist featuring the music of PE and Ice Cube. Related: Public Enemy - RLTK ft DMC (Video) Ice Cube vs. Chuck D by... Read more

December 11, 2012 Throwback

DJ Dallas Green Presents…Old School Hooky Party Part 2 (Mixtape)

Here's a TREMENDOUS mix of 80's and early 90's hip-hop and R&B from DJ Dallas Green. You'll hear music from LL Cool J, Whodini, Heavy D, Chubb Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Jade, Levert, Al B. Sure, Keith Sweat, Guy, BBD and more. You can listen to and download the entire... Read more

December 11, 2012 Throwback

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

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 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

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 (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

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

AG (from Show & AG) – Toca Tuesday Freestyles (Video)

AG from Show & AG has not lost a step. He represented hard for 90's MCs on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesday Freestyles. Check out how he flows on the head-nodding, neck-snapping, slept on track Dr. Dre did for Jay-Z a few years back. Related: New music from Show & AG... Read more

June 28, 2012 Audio, The Bridge, Throwback, 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

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

Scarface kicks off the first playlist in our new Living Legends series dedicating to celebrating Hip-Hop icons that have not received their proper shine lately. You can listen to a playlist that highlights 2 decades of Scarface music below (Playlist)

The loss of MCA was a reminder of how much love we show to fallen hip-hop legends. It's time to show some to the LIVING Legends too. We're kicking off a new series of playlists where we celebrate those hip-hop icons still with us (especially those who may not have... Read more

May 11, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a back in the day playlist of 80’s hip-hop classics from Melle Mel, Rakim, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Whodini and more (Playlist)

This back in the day playlist was inspired by hearing Nas talk about his love for 80's hip-hop legends like Melle Mel, Kurtis Blow, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Rakim and others. In addition to those MCs, you'll hear tracks from The Fat Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, LL... Read more

March 31, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Miami (Bass) vs. Los Angeles (G-Funk) (Playlist)

5 on 5. Miami vs. LA. Big game today between the Lakers and Heat. As you wait for the game (or not) here are 2 playlists featuring 5 back in the day songs each that represent the distinctive sound generated in hip-hop from each locale. For Miami, it was the... Read more

March 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Joell Ortiz – You Can’t Stop the Prophet

The cats from Slaughterhouse have been taking their name really seriously lately. They've dropped several hot joints as a collective lately and Joell Ortiz is keeping the momentum going on the solo tip. Check out how he murders the track for the remix to Jeru tha Damaja's classic You Can't... Read more

March 1, 2012 Audio, The Bridge, Throwback

Here’s a video playlist 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 hear verses from Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys... Read more

February 5, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Here’s a back in the day (mostly) video playlist of joints from the late 80’s and early 90’s. You’ll hear songs from Chubb Rock, Eric B. and Rakim, Queen Latifah, Kwame, Arrested Development, Naughty By Nature, Salt N Pepa, Digable Planets, Brand Nubian and D-Nice. This one is comfort food. Just press play, sit back and marinate.

February 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Fokis – Salute (King Tee) (Video)

Fokis pays homage to the great King Tee on Salute (King Tee). Check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke4JESFo8yQ&feature=player_embedded Here's King Tee's At Your Own Risk (the beat Fokis used), as well as Just Flauntin', one of my favorite King Tee joints. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pZKdIYr-UA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL-idMUSekU... Read more

January 31, 2012 The Bridge, Throwback, Video

Super Soul Sunday (Playlist)

Having withdrawal from the NFL playoffs? Here's a Super Soul Sunday playlist to ease the pain. If names like Roy Ayers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, The Brothers Johnson and Stevie Wonder mean anything to you or you just like good, soulful music, this one's for you.... Read more

January 29, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a tribute mix to Jam Master Jay by Funkmaster Flex (Mixtape)

The late, great Jam Master Jay would have been 47 years old yesterday. In celebration of his birthday, Funkmaster Flex did a tribute mix filled with Run-D.M.C. classics. You can listen to the mix and download it below. When asked who's best, y'all should say....Also, click here to listen to... Read more

January 22, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Bring That Funk Back (Playlist)

Here's an old school playlist of songs from the 70's and 80's that influenced a lot of the funk in hip-hip. If you like music from Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Erick Sermon or just appreciate some of that rich back in the day goodness, this one's for you. You'll find... Read more

January 14, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Was there ever any question that Def Jam Recordings would be the #1 most important hip-hop record label of all time??? Here’s a 30-song playlist of music from some of the legendary Def Jam artists: LL, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Redman, Method Man and more.

Before record labels were considered “the enemy” their brands actually meant something. Artists dreamed of being on the same label as the MCs they grew up idolizing and some labels had such credibility fans would buy the record just because it was on that label. We decided to look at... Read more

December 19, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video