Throwback Archives

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Scarface vs. Pimp C…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 2, 2015 Throwback

A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory Was Certified Platinum 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today (February 1, 1995), the Recording Industry Association of America certified A Tribe Called Quest's sophomore album, The Low End Theory as having reached platinum status (shipping 1 million units). Originally released in 1991, the album continues to reverberate, landing on countless Best Albums lists and remains... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

Atmosphere Releases The 1995 Video That Got The Rhymesayers Goin’ & It’s Still Relevant (Video)

Now a chart-topping independent Hip-Hop juggernaut, Atmosphere had less glamorous beginnings. The Minneapolis, Minnesota crew centered around MC Slug and producer Ant had a lot of "Headshots" leading up to their studio debut, Overcast! In a benchmark year for Rhymesayers Entertainment, some of those rarely-discussed songs, tapes, and moments are... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

Travel Back To 1983, The Exact Moment Hip-Hop Was Played On Daytime NYC Radio (Audio)

Thirty-two years ago, Hip-Hop was emerging on a host of record labels large and small. However, while these 12" singles and pioneering albums may have been party highlights, and closely examined in the clubs, the bedrooms, and the subsequent tapes made, they were not often heard on radio—especially at daytime.... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Music of Death Row Records (Audio)

The Death Row Records brand has been plagued with controversy over the years, due to a litany of events surrounding people connected with the label in some fashion. At times, the negativity seemed to be louder than the records being produced by the company. The reason that news was relevant,... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher with MC Lyte, ATCQ, GURU, Wu-Tang Clan, CL Smooth, KRS-One & More (Video)

The second iteration of Arsenio Hall's show left the air quietly, after an announcement just weeks before that the show had been renewed. However, it was a very different story the first time Arsenio parted ways with the airwaves. After five years of providing one of the only platforms on... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

MTV Has Uncovered A Raw Interview With Ol’ Dirty Bastard From 1997 (Video)

One of the introductory members to New York's mega Hip-Hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, Ol' Dirty Bastard left the Earth and the Wu far too early at the young age of 35, just a little over a decade ago in 2004. Today in 2015, MTV has linked up with Genius to... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback, Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Q-Tip vs. Grand Puba…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Fat Joe, Nas, Big Pun, Raekwon & Jadakiss’ John Blaze (Video)

1998 was a critical turning point for Fat Joe. Two albums deep, the Bronx, New Yorker had made Represent and Jealous Ones Envy with the hardcore Hip-Hop Head in mind and in spirit. With Joe's brazen delivery, sharp cadence, and keen ear for intricate sample-based production, he had risen the... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback

KRS-One Returned To The Boom-Bap Back In 1993. But What About This Leftover? (Audio)

KRS-One's first solo album, 1993's Return Of The Boom Bap clearly mapped out the Blastmasta from his Boogie Down Productions past. A Top 40 charting effort on his longtime Jive Records home, the LP welcomed DJ Premier and Showbiz to the cypher. Fourteen tracks would make the LP a hardcore... Read more

January 28, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): LL Cool J vs. Run…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 27, 2015 Throwback

Rich Medina Made A Colorful Mixtape To Complement A New Museum Installation (Audio)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native Rich Medina is a legend behind the turntables. Whether spinning Hip-Hop, House, Soul, or Rare Groove, the DJ/producer has been at the epicenter of nightlife for Heads in Philly and New York City for decades now. Always an innovator, Rich's latest musical vision, 13 Joints, ties into... Read more

January 27, 2015 Throwback

15 Years Later, D’Angelo’s Voodoo Is Celebrated Through Questlove’s Quirky Tour Diaries

Along with The LOX's We Are The Streets and Ghostface Killah's Supreme Clientele, yesterday (January 25) marked the 15th anniversary of D'Angelo's sophomore LP, Voodoo. Few could have imagined that of that trifecta of great albums, that D'Angelo would only one month ago follow it up, The LOX have not, and... Read more

January 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. GZA…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 26, 2015 Throwback

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Premiere the Trailer for a Documentary on The Purple Tape (Video)

Nas' Illmatic was not the only Hip-Hop classic worthy of a documentary. Over the weekend at The Sundance Film Festival, a trailer was premiered for The Purple Tape Files, a forthcoming film about the making of Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., guest starring Ghostface Killah as Tony Starks. The... Read more

January 26, 2015 Throwback

Omar Epps Might Need To Come With That Album! Domingo Unleashes A 1995 Joint (Audio)

Last year, Heads got a fast reminder that in addition to longtime acting chops, Omar Epps can spit. The star of Juice, Higher Learning, and TV's "House" presented a 2004 compilation, The Get Back. However, the Brooklyn, New Yorker never let his rhyme skills get dusty, evident alongside Saigon and... Read more

January 26, 2015 Throwback

The LOX’s We Are The Streets Turns 15 Years Old, Is It Their True Best Work?

In a weird twist of fate, the same Tuesday January 25, 2000 that Ghostface Killah released Supreme Clientele, The LOX released their own sophomore effort, We Are The Streets. Fifteen years ago, few could have thought that Wu-Block would ever be a thing, let alone that Ghost and Sheek Louch... Read more

January 25, 2015 Throwback

O.C. May Be One Of The Only Artists Who Can Claim To Have Received A Free Jay Z Feature

D.I.T.C. MC O.C. has several championed releases, stemming from his 1994 Wild Pitch Records debut, Word...Life, his 1997 Payday follow-up, Jewelz, his near-bootleg release Starchild, to his Apollo Brown tandem, Trophies. 2001's Bon Appetit is not one of O's more celebrated works, though the Brooklyn, New Yorker maintains it's the... Read more

January 25, 2015 Throwback

Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele Turns 15 Years Old & Remains Mighty Healthy

Fifteen years ago today (January 25, 2000), Ghostface Killah hit the 21st century off with a would-be classic album, in his sophomore, Supreme Clientele. The sophomore release from the Staten Island, New Yorker and Wu-Tang Clan co-founder remains in strong debate as G.F.K.'s finest work. The Epic/Razor Sharp Records effort... Read more

January 25, 2015 Throwback

Ever See These Big L, O.C. and Lord Finesse Freestyles? Get Down with D.I.T.C. (Video)

D.I.T.C. The name stood for Diggin' in the Crates, in part because of the membership of acclaimed producers like Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, but make no mistake, the crew was also about those BARS. Here's a look back at some vintage interviews of Big L and Lord Finesse, two... Read more

January 24, 2015 Throwback

Hip-Hop’s Fashion Innovation The Subject Of A New Documentary Film By Sacha Jenkins (Trailer)

From the Cold Crush Brothers to A$AP Rocky, Hip-Hop culture has always been fashion-forward. From sneakers with fat laces (or no laces at all), to eyeglasses frames, jewelry, bluejeans, tailored suits, sports apparel, sunglasses, flannel shirts, ski goggles, beanies, bubble-goose jackets, skullies, and leather duffel bags, there are legions of... Read more

January 23, 2015 Throwback

Ever Heard This LL Cool J Freestyle From the 80’s? He’s in Ripper Mode (Audio)

From the moment he walked into the scene in Krush Groove and yelled "BOX," LL Cool J established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most magnetic and fearsome MCs. Before the love songs and the radio appeal, there was Jack the Ripper who was nothing but a microphone destroyer. Here's a... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: The Roots – Silent Treatment (Video)

In the last week, The Roots' sophomore album Do You Want More?!!!??! turned 20 years old. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania band's first foray with the Top 200 and the charts altogether, D.Y.W.M. was recorded throughout 1993 and 1994, following the collective's debut, Organix. On some early editions, the DGC (Geffen Records)... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MCA vs. Slick Rick…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Run-DMC’s King Of Rock Turns 30 Years Old & Remains Great

Run-DMC's sophomore album, King Of Rock, reached record store stands 30 years ago today (January 21, 1985). Released on the Profile label, the effort from the Hollis, Queens trio barely missed the Billboard Top 50, but remained a highlight within the group's discography. Following the self-titled LP's boom-bap style, Run,... Read more

January 21, 2015 Throwback

Eazy-E & Bone Thugs-N-Harmony 1994 Interview Surfaces…Glimpse The O.G.’s (Video)

In many ways, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was Eazy-E's final act of greatness. The Compton Gangsta Rap mogul looked to Ohio to find a quintet that sounded like nothing else in the space. Krazyie, Layzie, Wish, Bizzy, and Flesh-N-Bone combined G-Funk with Gospel with Midwest choppin' to provide a style that stood... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Owes A Lot Of Thanks To Stevie Wonder, Read Why…

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is a lot to remember and think about in the first place. One of the items, is making the holiday in the first place. Following Dr. King's 1968 assassination, one of the millions of people whose world was rocked was... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Nas vs. Big L…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

10 Years Ago Today, The Game Released The Documentary. Consider It A Classic?

Ten years ago today (January 18, 2005), The Game (n/k/a Game) released The Documentary. His major label debut would garner double-platinum status, and afford Dr. Dre his first star protege from the same Compton, California streets—more than six years before Kendrick Lamar. Game's debut quite definitively remains his highest-profile and... Read more

January 18, 2015 Throwback

J Dilla’s Donuts Gets The Ultimate 44-Minute Fan-Made Visual Companion (Video)

Besides the posthumously-released "Last Night Of The Donut," J Dilla's 2006 album Donuts was not the kind of album that yielded videos. Stones Throw Records, who are independent greats at making compelling, cool visuals to match their extensive, dynamic discography, let the music do the talking when it came to... Read more

January 18, 2015 Throwback

Ever Heard This Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown Freestyle From 1997? It’s Firm Business (Audio)

Back in 1997 when Nas, AZ and Foxy Brown announced they were forming a super group called The Firm and their album would be released on Dr. Dre's then new label Aftermath Entertainment, Heads went crazy with anticipation for the project. Though they would only release one album, which for... Read more

January 17, 2015 Throwback

Here’s the Story of How KRS-One & Scott La Rock Met…Comic Book Style

Here's something incredibly dope for fans of Comics, Hip-Hop or both. Ed Piskor, renowned cartoonist and author of the Hip-Hop Family Tree graphic novel, has released the account of how KRS-One and Scott La Rock met, in the form of a comic. The story was assembled from several of KRS-One's... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Tupac’s Life and Legacy Will Be Celebrated with an Exhibit at The Grammy Museum

With more than 40 years of existence, Hip-Hop has undeniably earned its place in the history books. As such, several institutions have started to honor the culture. Last year, The Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture carved out a place for J. Dilla's production equipment and it also... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big Pun vs. RZA…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Jay-Z’s Pre-Reasonable Doubt Demo Tape Surfaces, Ch-Check It Out (Audio)

Before he was regarded in Rap's most elite lyrical circles, and long before he was a sports agent, franchise owner, or mega-million executive, Jay-Z was just another rapper hungry for an opportunity. Before the Brooklyn, New Yorker would form his own Roc-A-Fella Records imprint with Dame Dash and Kareem Biggs,... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ice Cube vs. Too Short…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Warren G Hilariously Explains Regulate for Funny or Die, Line by Line (Video)

As part of its Rap Chronicles series, Funny or Die caught up with Warren G to have him decode "Regulate," his G-Funk classic with Nate Dogg. Despite fellow 213 member Snoop's admonition, the "G Child" told the game for free, to great satisfaction. In a little over two minutes, he... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Haze Presents…NY Reality Check 101 (Mixed By DJ Premier)

This week, it was announced that 2015 will see the release of DJ Premier's first solo album, Last Session @320. The album and its title are an homage to the closing of HeadQCourterz Studios (f/k/a D&D Studios), which had been Premier's professional home for nearly 25 years. As fans eagerly... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Erick Sermon Speaks Openly About Earnings, Helping Create Atlanta’s Scene (Video)

Erick Sermon does not do a ton of interviews. However, when the EPMD and Def Squad co-founder speaks, he's never big on canned, diplomatic answers. E-Dub opens up in a major way when speaking with This Is 50's Jack Thriller. The Brentwood, Long Island MC/producer breaks down his 2000s-era comeback... Read more

January 13, 2015 Throwback

Crooklyn Dodgers ’94 & Crooklyn Dodgers ’95 Trade Uniforms In This ILL Blend (Audio)

DJ Hellee Hooper (a play on famed Soul II Soul/Bjork/No Doubt producer Nellee Hooper), swapped the vocals of Special Ed, Masta Ace, and Buckshot from "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" with the instrumental to the 1995 original (Chubb Rock, O.C., Jeru The Damaja). The results (thus "94.5") trick your mind,... Read more

January 12, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): KRS-One vs. Masta Ace…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 12, 2015 Throwback

Sound Bwoy Bureill Was Intended For Heltah Skeltah? Smif-n-Wessun & Da Beatminerz Recall (Video)

This past Saturday (January 10), Smif-n-Wessun's debut album, Dah Shinin', turned 20 years old. The Wreck Records release from General Steele and Tek was a benchmark moment for the Boot Camp Clik, and largely perceived as a follow-up to Black Moon's Enta Da Stage, given the tight-knit collective's overlapping production... Read more

January 12, 2015 Throwback

There Have Been A Gang Of Death Row Records Documentaries, But This One Stands Tall (Video)

Starting when the label was less than six years old, documentaries started releasing around the creation, controversy, and commercial dominance of Death Row Records. Started by Marion "Suge" Knight and Dr. Dre in late 1991, the Los Angeles, California-based label released classic, multi-platinum albums by Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Tha Dogg... Read more

January 11, 2015 Throwback

Slick Rick Performs Children’s Story with Nas at His 50th Birthday Party (Video)

This is classic. Slick Rick celebrated his 50th birthday (1/14) early at NYC's Brooklyn Bowl last night. As part of the festivities, he performed "Children's Story." Rick, being one of Hip-Hop's greatest storytellers, got a special assist. Nas, another master of the narrative, served as The Ruler's hype man. The... Read more

January 10, 2015 Throwback

KRS-One Decodes His Most Classic Lines. You Must Learn… (Audio)

Shawn Setaro, former Editor-in-Chief of Rap Genius, has been opening up his vaults of classic interviews on his theciphershow.com site. One such gem is an amazing conversation with KRS-One. Kris breaks down the stories behind many of his most famous lyrics, and also provides colorful insights on never before discussed... Read more

January 10, 2015 Throwback

GZA Freestyles, While Ol’ Dirty Bastard Beat-Boxes In A Bathroom In 1991 (Video)

In 1991, GZA (as "The Genius") was on the same Cold Chillin' Records that he would later diss on "Labels." The future was bright for the Brooklyn, New York MC who was working with Easy Mo Bee on Words From The Genius at the time. Released in February of that... Read more

January 9, 2015 Throwback

See Some Rare, HQ & Vintage Footage Of The Funky 4 + 1 Rockin’ (Video)

One of the many things in Hip Hop today that takes a track to the next level is the artist video. It provides the MC or group with exposure of not only the voice and production, but gives the audience a face to put along with it. We often take... Read more

January 9, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Eminem vs. Xzibit…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 9, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Do Remember: TRU & C-Bo – That’s How We Break Bread (Audio)

In truth, it's been a pretty quiet decade for Master P. For the most part, the No Limit Records founder seems to have chosen a pathway out of the Rap-Race rat-race, living the good life in that Southern California sun. Although P has developed some new acts at No Limit,... Read more

January 8, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Snoop Dogg vs. MJG…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 8, 2015 Fresh, Throwback