News Archives

ScHoolboy Q Comes Clean on OXYMORON (Album Review)

UPDATE: Click here to stream the album via iTunes Last night (2/17), ScHoolboy Q held a listening session for part of his highly-anticipated OXYMORON album, and AFH was in the building. Compared to other listening sessions, it was a laid-back affair that perfectly suited Q’s personality. There were about 150... Read more

February 18, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

If You Had Issues Downloading De La Soul’s Free Catalog 25 Hour Giveaway, Plug 2 Has Something To Say (Audio)

Did De La Soul truly anticipate the groundswell reaction to their late week announcement of plans to give away the bulk of their long Internet-shy catalog for free? Possibly not, but who could have, when Posdnous, Dave, and DJ Maseo's works drove Internet discussion and prompted a premature 25th anniversary... Read more

February 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

What Five-Figure Piece Of Memorabilia Did A Record Buyer Find Inside An Album Sleeve? (Video)

Heads who collect records know that you can find some pretty interesting stuff when you dig. Besides the racks of wax, a lot of older albums can be secret hideaways for things: love letters, journals, rolling papers, stickers, and the old cryptic messages some people like to put in the... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jimmy Fallon Revisits the Evolution of Hip-Hop Dance with The Fresh Prince (Video)

Similar to his History of Rap Sessions with Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon has taken a stroll down memory lane to revisit the history of Hip-Hop dance. This time, his partner in crime was The Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith) and the 2 did not disappoint. It's amazing how effortless this... Read more

February 18, 2014 Video

The Week in Video Featured Kanye Uncut, Words by Rakim, Redman’s Release & More (Video Playlist)

Last week was a strong one in Hip-Hop video programming. We got a spectacular short film on Rakim, a hilarious promo from Redman, a behind the scenes look at how Ice Cube got his name on the Goodyear blimp, an uncut speech from Kanye West, music videos from Phife, Mac... Read more

February 17, 2014 Playlists, Video

Some Music For The Couples In Dizzy Wright’s Latest Visual (Video)

Dizzy Wright is one of the more honest new artists out. The Las Vegas native left home at a young age, and as he went full throttle into Rap, he's discovered truths many of us seem to grasp at older ages. In "The Perception," Wright seems to tackle fame, growth,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson Says That He Pays His Bills From Monthly Sales Of Indie Albums & Talks Wearing Shorts Year-Round (Audio)

When he's not body-slamming security guards and (playfully) tossing little people offstage, Action Bronson is a helluva rapper. For longtime fans of the Queens, New Yorker who Heads first heard on J-Love mixtapes, 2013's Saaab Stories was a bit of a misnomer. While Harry Fraud's Surf School sound is hot,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Like Bully Bars? Reef The Lost Cauze, Masta Ace & Jaysaun Got Somethin’ For Ya (Audio)

Reef The Lost Cauze never seems to stop working, and that's a great thing. The MC who went to the same high school at Will Smith (at a later era) linked with Masta Ace and Special Teamz' Jaysaun for "Power Moves." Over a hard, brassy beat the three take mics... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & June Would Make Pimp C Proud In Their Own Big Pimpin’ (Video)

Although it's clearly not a cover song, June and Big K.R.I.T. clearly considered Jay Z's Volume 3 smash single "Big Pimpin'," which put the faces and voices of UGK's Pimp C and Bun B in front of many new listeners. Raised on the Slab music, Krizzle and June made their... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Memphis Bleek Gets Really Up Close & Personal In It’s For Me (Video)

In addition to some killer beats from the likes of Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz and 9th Wonder, Memphis Bleek's albums have always had some really personal moments. Although known for the big Jay Z assists at times, and Roc-A-Fella Records posse cuts in others, Marcy Projects' youngest breakthrough artist in... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Need Some Inspiration? Watch This Hour-Long Documentary On Public Enemy & The Bomb Squad (Video)

There will never be enough documentaries and books on Public Enemy, and the music they've made. Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X (and later, DJ Lord), as well as The Bomb Squad changed Hip-Hop lyrically, musically, and in concert. ego trip's "Night At The Movies" hipped AFH to... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big Boi’s Forever Funky, But Check This Mash-Up That Pairs Him With Menahan Street Band (Audio)

For the next stop in his weekly mash-up series from Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors, Big Boi's "Tremendous Damage" is joined with The Menahan Street Band's "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)." This is Brooklyn-based super-band that laced the "Make The Road By Walking" bassline, famously repurposed for Jay... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

CL Smooth Returns With A Solo Track Tailor-Made For His Signature Slow Flow (Audio)

Quietly, CL Smooth has made some stellar solo material, outside of the Pete Rock & CL Smooth discography. The "money-earnin'" Mount Vernon MC released "Anything For You" this morning, featuring some smooth singing from Kier. But with an '80s R&B-inspired beat, CL's crisp vocal tone shines as he goes slow... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

AZ & DJ Doo Wop Make An Homage To The Late ’70s Hip-Hop Park Jams (Audio)

Two New Yorkers who thrived in the 1995-era were AZ and DJ Doo Wop. Tha Visualiza and The Bouncemaster both provided a brand of Hip-Hop, heavy on substance and presentation. Nineteen years later, the pair links for Doo Wop to drop the needle on some breaks from the likes of... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Trombone Shorty, Gary Clark, Jr., Janelle Monae, Earth, Wind & Fire & More Shred the NBA Halftime Show (Video)

Between the dunks and pyrotechnics of the NBA All-Star Game, some all star musicians went to work during the halftime show and tore the house down. Trombone Shorty, Dr. John, Gary Clark, Jr., Janelle Monae and Earth, Wind & Fire put on show-stopping performances. If you missed it (or want... Read more

February 17, 2014 Video

Kanye West Explains Why He Calls Himself a Genius…and It Makes Perfect Sense (Video)

Much has been made of Kanye West's infamous "rants" at his concerts but, as is often the case, his actions and words make much more sense in full context. Kanye played the Prudential Center in Newark on 2/15 and he had a lot to say. Yeezy spoke for 20 minutes... Read more

February 15, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff Takes New York & Philadelphia in the Latest Ep. of Vinyl Destination (Video)

In the latest episode of DJ Jazzy Jeff's Hip-Hop travel show, Vinyl Destination, Jeff hits NYC and his hometown of Philly. While in New York, the legendary DJ spends time at the Sway in the Morning Show, Fuse and This is 50. His return home is bittersweet as he does... Read more

February 15, 2014 Video

Snoop & Daz Make it Clear Gangstas Need Love Too in What’s Your Pleasure (Video)

Snoop Dogg and Daz Dillinger have come a long way from the days of It Ain't No Fun...Their latest ode to the universal language is a bit more gentlemanly. Check out the video for What's Your Pleasure. Related: Snoop Dogg & Dam-Funk Have 7 Days Of Funk For The Ladies... Read more

February 15, 2014 Video

The Doppelgangaz Smooth it Out on KnowntchooTahLie (Video)

The love continues throughout the weekend. Here's the video for The Doppelgangaz smoothed out KnowntchooTahLie. Check it out. Related: The Doppelgangaz – Nexium (Video)... Read more

February 15, 2014 Video

Kanye West Has a 3-Some with The Carters on the Remix to Drunk in Love (Audio)

Kanye West has done a true remix of Beyonce's Drunk in Love. Not only has he added a verse, he's also put the track through the Yeezus filter, preserving its overall feel but distorting it and making it feel darker and more aggressive, like many of the tracks on his... Read more

February 15, 2014 Audio

Take a Psychedelic Trip Into the Mind of Mac Miller in the Video for Avian (Video)

Mac Miller has released a trippy video for one of the illest cuts on his acclaimed album, Watching Movies with the Sound Off. The video for Avian is a colorful psychedelic trip, perhaps into the mind of Mac, himself. Whatever the case may be, the visuals match the clever wordplay... Read more

February 15, 2014 Video

Here’s a New Compilation From Pro Era. Check out Secc$ Tap.e 2 (Audio)

The Pro Era crew released 7 new tracks this week, as part of their ProEraWeek. Joey Bada$$, Kirk Knight, Dessy Hinds and more made contributions. They've released a compilation of all 7 tracks, which you can stream below. Check out Secc$ Tap.e 2 below. Related: The Pro Era Cypher (Video)... Read more

February 15, 2014 Audio

Skyzoo Releases an EP for the Day After Valentine’s Day. Here’s “Tomorrow Morning” (Mixtape)

Many projects were released yesterday celebrating Valentine's Day. Skyzoo anticipated good nights for many and has put out an EP capturing the mood for the day after. You can stream and download Tomorrow Morning below.... Read more

February 15, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Big L Rest in Peace: 15 Classic Big L Freestyles (Audio)

Rest in Peace to Big L who passed away 15 years ago today. To celebrate his too short life but enduring legacy, NahRight & Up North Trips have assembled a compilation of 15 classic Big L Freestyles. Check out the legendary Big L/Jay Z freestyle below and a link to... Read more

February 15, 2014 Throwback

Redman Releases a Trailer for His Muddy Waters 2 EP…and a Couple More Things (Video)

Redman has released a video trailer for his newest EP, Muddy Waters 2, and a couple of other things...Reggie is anything but Noble in this clip. Check out Redman's Prayer. Related: Redman Invites MTV Back to His Crib and He’s “Beyonce’d” the Bathroom. Greatest Cribs Segment Ever? (Video)... Read more

February 14, 2014 Video

It WAS a Good Day. How Ice Cube Got His Name on the Goodyear Blimp (Video)

On January 20, 2014, Ice Cube actually got his name on a Goodyear blimp, as he foreshadowed 20+ years earlier on It Was a Good Day. What may have gotten lost in the shuffle was that the event was to benefit a children's after school program called, A Place Called... Read more

February 14, 2014 Video

Here’s a Brand New Mixtape From Curren$y. Stream & Download The Drive In Theatre (Mixtape)

Curren$y has released his first mixtape of the year. Given that he's released more than 10 over the last 2 years, there are surely more to come. "The Drive In Theatre" contains slick rhymes and soulful beats, as well as verses from Action Bronson, B-Real, Smoke DZA, Freddie Gibbs and... Read more

February 14, 2014 Mixes

Kanye West Tells Sway to Shut the “F” Up on Stage at His Latest Show (Video)

Just when you thought the Kanye West/Sway fiasco was dead and buried, Kanye lobs some napalm to reignite the controversy. Last night, during his latest concert, Ye took time out from his set to call out both Sway and Charlemagne the God by name, telling them to "shut the f*ck... Read more

February 14, 2014 Video

Remember Ron G Blend Tapes? Marsha Ambrosius Must, As She Combines Jeru With Sade (Video)

If you're a Hip-Hop Head, one R&B singer you have to love is Marsha Ambrosius. Since her days with Floetry on into her with Dr. Dre and Aftermath Entertainment, the U.K. crooner has demonstrated elite taste in making palpable Soul music with a B-Girl's edge. Her skills lead the way,... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Terrace Martin Loves Making Love-Making Music. His Valentines Day Mix Includes Chris Brown & Snoop Dogg (Mixtape)

Terrace Martin's music is always smooth enough for the car, the couch, the pool-party, and seemingly, the bedroom. The Locke High producer/saxophonist dropped off Love Music in time for the February 14th Valentines Day holiday, and he invited some high-profile homies including Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Tank, Problem, and James... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

J. Cole Continues To Tell Stories In His Videography. Check She Knows (Video)

In addition to his status as a Hip-Hop double-threat MC/producer, one of J. Cole's greatest skills is his videos. From "Crooked Smile" to "Power Trip," Colematic has given Born Sinner some visual companions that few artists can reach their whole career. Perhaps in the shadows of a crowded 2013 release... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Act 2: Hip-Hop, You’re the Love of My Life…(Audio Playlist)

On this Valentine's Day, here's a playlist that takes a look at the unique relationship between Hip-Hop & Love. You'll hear songs from BDP, Eric B. & Rakim, Kendrick Lamar, LL Cool J, Jay Z, Erykah Badu & Common, OutKast, 2Pac, Biggie and many more. Some are about love for... Read more

February 14, 2014 Audio, Playlists

Oodles Of Downloads: De La Soul’s Whole Catalog Is Free For The Next 25 Hours!

As reported yesterday, the entire De La Soul music catalog is available for free download from just this minute (11am EST) to noon EST tomorrow (February 15). In part a Valentines Day gift, but more probably an early nod to the 25th anniversary of 3 Feet High And Rising, this... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Common Has 3 Gold Albums, And He Still Freestyles Completely Off The Top (Video)

Common Sense has three Gold albums (Like Water For Chocolate, Be, and Finding Forever). Still, the major label artist and actor holds to the Hip-Hop fundamentals of freestyling. Many Comm concerts feature a freestyle where the Chicago, Illinois MC works in local street names, restaurants, and other landmarks. He brought... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

De La Soul Is Celebrating Their 25th Year By Giving Away Their Catalog For Free, For 25 Hours

In just over two weeks, De La Soul's groundbreaking debut album, 3 Feet High And Rising turns 25 years old. The first time Heads heard Posdnous, Trugoy, and DJ Maseo has already turned a quarter century old, as has the shapeshifting production from Prince Paul, and all the colorful artwork,... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

ONYX Punched Hip-Hop Dead in the Face with WakeDaF*cUp. Here’s the Video (Video)

ONYX issued the supreme wake up call earlier in the week that they are back and here to get Hip-Hop back on track with their new single, WakeDaF*cUp. They bring just as much energy and aggression to the video. Check it out. Related: Onyx is Reuniting in 2014…But First Here... Read more

February 13, 2014 Video

T.I. Speaks on the Advice He Gave Jeezy to End the Beef with Rick Ross (Video)

There was a time when no one would expect T.I., who had an infamously short temper, to be a peace keeper, but that's exactly the role he took on in the Rick Ross/Young Jeezy feud that came to a head at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards. Here's a short clip... Read more

February 13, 2014 Video

How Did Pharrell React To Watching Kanye West Rap Never Let Me Down For The First Time? Watch (Video)

With all the attention on Kanye West's College Dropout this month, one track that deserves special mention is "Never Let Me Down." The Jay Z-assisted moment, which closed with a powerful Spoken Word piece by J. Ivy was a stellar album cut on the 2004 Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records debut. But... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Thurz Delivers Punky Brewster In Living Color (Video)

From his DIY platform, Thurz does a lot. The U-N-I co-founder continues to represent Inglewood with big concepts and bold visuals. "Punky Brewster," which premiered in audio a few months back, sees Thurzday's growing trademark of beautiful women, and in this case, a spectrum of paint. Art... Related: DJ Bizzy... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cyhi The Prynce Drops Off Some Hip-Hop Love Just in Time for Valentine’s Day (Audio)

Cyhi the Prynce releases a Hip-Hop love song just in time for Valentine's day. Check out Coretta, which is part of Cyhi's forthcoming "Black History Month" project that is being executive produced by Kanye West. Related: Who Needs Hooks When You’ve Got BARS? Cyhi The Prynce is Back (Video)... Read more

February 13, 2014 Audio

Drake’s Done Talking. To Magazines Anyway.

On "F*ckin' Problems," Drake reminded listeners that he's not "for the long-talking." Communication will be at a premium with all formats it seems, for Drizzy. After there was a media hailstorm yesterday, surrounding Drake's Rolling Stone magazine comments about Macklemore's "wack as fuck" decision to text message Kendrick Lamar after... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh

Gil Scott Heron’s Poetic & Musical Accomplishments May Be Unsung, But They’re Timeless (Video)

The late poet/musician Gil Scott Heron is arguably one of those figures that was rapping before Hip-Hop even came to form. The Harlem, New York luminary warned Heads everywhere that "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," and then he made an assortment of other powerful pieces on the subject of... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

John Singleton Is Taking Over The Tupac Shakur Biopic

Director/writer John Singleton has been reported as the latest visionary at the helm of Tupac Shakur's biopic. After years in pre-production, the film, which is partially in the hands of veteran Hip-Hop producer L.T. Hutton (Eazy-E/Snoop Dogg) now goes to the director of Boyz N The Hood. John will re-write... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh

Capone-N-Noreaga Are Back In Business. They Recorded An EP In One Night

EPMD loved the break-up to make-up approach. Erick Sermon & Parish Smith made (and make) incredible music together, but the Brentwood, Long Island B-Boys can never seem to sustain as a bond. A walk-through EPMD's discography shows more grand openings and not-so-grand closings than Flava Flav's fast-food chicken franchise. Are... Read more

February 12, 2014 Fresh

Juvenile Is Signed To Rap-A-Lot Records Now. Get A Glimpse Of What His New Album Sounds Like (Audio)

What a long, strange trip it's been for Juvenile. One of Bounce music's breakthrough stars came up with Warlock Records, which Heads may remember from late '80s releases by The Jungle Brothers, as well as early Trick Daddy/Slip-N-Slip material. Shortly thereafter, Juvy inked with Cash Money Records, where he became... Read more

February 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Although The Vid Is Big On Body Shots, Is Nicki Minaj Back To Bars? (Video)

In 2009 and 2010, Nicki Minaj took Hip-Hop by force with hardbody raps, while showing a lot of body. The Queens MC even took this approach to radio in 2012 with the 2 Chainz-assisted "Beez In The Trap," from her Pink Friday II album. In the time since, besides a... Read more

February 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common’s Nobody Smiling Shows Its Teeth With An Ab-Soul Feature On A No ID Jam (Audio)

Fresh off of Rick Ross' Mastermind listening session and album preview, 2014's album landscape is looking quite fertile. Coming up soon is Common's Nobody Smiling, a Chicago-themed conversation piece about the youth violence epidemic. Late today, the L.A. Leakers dropped the digital needle on "Made In Black America." The song,... Read more

February 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Drake Thinks Macklemore’s Post-Grammy Text To Kendrick Lamar Was “Wack As F*ck”

Throughout the last five years, Drake has artfully dodged controversy. Even when seemingly playing back and forth with Rap contenders and foes, the polished Toronto actor-turned-MC knows when to hold 'em, and rarely folds 'em. However, in the young 2014, he picked an odd time to step out of character.... Read more

February 12, 2014 Fresh

Mayhem Lauren Is An Outdoorsmen Member With Bars That Need Hunting Fatigues (Audio)

Mayhem Lauren is one mean MC with the mic. The Outdoorsmen member (Action Bronson, AD Da Coroner, J-Love) doesn't mess around, and brings that no-nonsense persona to his music. After going quietly for some weeks, 'Hem hems up "Egyptian Musk" for a throwback-feeling cut that has a bullymouth delivery and... Read more

February 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jadakiss & Sheek Louch Make More Funeral Music, D-Block Affiliate Syp Life (Audio)

The Lox are cooking back up lately. The material as of late is really dark, eerie, and from that wave that some purists say left NYC albums in the early 2000s, to be relegated to mix tapes. "Closed Casket" lives up to its name, with D-Block affiliate Snyp Life. Styles... Read more

February 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh