Throwback Archives

1994 2Pac Talks Loneliness & Not Wanting Government To Condemn His Music (Video)

1994 was such a pivotal year for 2Pac. The same year Thug Life would release their only album, the rising superstar would go to jail. He would enter a #1 artist, former Digital Underground protege, and a budding actor with on and off the mic versatility. 'Pac would leave prison... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Bonita. Bonita. Bonita. Stephanie Santiago As A Tribe Called Quest’s Real Bonita Applebum (Video)

Decades before Sherane, there was Bonita. The apple of A Tribe Called Quest's eye had a suggestive name of more produce, and Heads fell in love the minute Q-Tip compared the buxom beauty to "a Hip-Hop song." The fictional character has become a lasting reference in Hip-Hop, and for a... Read more

December 2, 2013 Throwback

Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick & Big Daddy Kane Perform The Hits At 2013 Soul Train Awards (Video)

For as long as Heads can remember, Harlem's Doug E. Fresh has been calling himself the World's Greatest Entertainer. With the energy the living, working Hip-Hop pioneer brought to the 2013 Soul Train Awards, which aired last night, it's hard to disagree. Joined by Cali Swag District (who were discovered... Read more

December 2, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pusha T Talks About What it Would Take for a Clipse Reunion Album and His Album Being the Best of the Year with Zane Lowe (Audio)

Pusha T says he “turns down features all the time,” and maintains that he’s got “album of the year” to Zane Lowe. The Clipse lyricist sits down at BBC Radio for a discussion about 2013, his My Name Is My Name solo debut, and why he refuses to phone-in features,... Read more

December 2, 2013 Throwback

Bring ‘Em Back: D’Angelo Plays Curtis Mayfield’s Gimme Your Love in the Brown Sugar Era (Video)

If you're a fan of the 70's film Superfly or even Snoop Doggy Dogg's Doggystyle album, you know the impact that Curtis Mayfield had on soul music, Hip-Hop, film and pop culture, generally. I first saw D'Angelo channel the late, great Mayfield as he opened a soulful show on New... Read more

December 2, 2013 Throwback

DJ Premier Cuts The Scratches To Who’s Gonna Take The Weight Live (Video)

Asking a Head to name their favorite Gang Starr tracks can be a lot like Sophie's Choice. From the joints included on the duo's two greatest hits compilations onto the album cuts from 1986 to 2003, it was all pretty revolutionary for beats, rhymes, style, charisma, and "tha voice." One... Read more

November 30, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Vic Mensa Was Already a Microphone Beast in 2010. Here’s Proof…Children of the Sun (Audio)

Vic Mensa, along with Chance the Rapper, is one of the breakout Hip-Hop stars of 2013. Some may know him from Kids These Days and he's only flourished now that he's gone solo. Even when he was with the band, he dabbled in some solo material and he's released a... Read more

November 30, 2013 Throwback

Redman and Method Man Rock Paris (Full Concert Video)

You may have caught this concert before. If so, it's still great holiday viewing and, if not, get ready to be entertained by 2 Hip-Hop heavyweights leaving it all on the stage. The dynamic duo of Redman and Method Man made their way to Paris last year and rocked out... Read more

November 28, 2013 Throwback

NahRight Looks At Snoop Dogg’s Best Doggystyle-Era Performances (Video)

The homies over at NahRight.com have a cool retrospective of the best early performances by Snoop Doggy Dogg. The videos are from 1994-1996, surrounding Snoop's groundbreaking quadruple platinum debut, Doggystyle. This was the day when an artist could work an album for nearly three years after its release, especially on... Read more

November 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Suge Knight Weighs In On Dr. Dre’s Chronic Influencing Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die

Yesterday, we linked you to Rolling Stone's conversation with Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight. While the published interview focused on Tha Row's second release, Snoop Doggy Dogg's 1993 debut Doggystyle, which just turned 20 years old. The writer of the rare Knight interview, Paul "Gooch" Cantor, self-published the... Read more

November 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Suge Knight Speaks at Length on Doggystye and Death Row, Claiming Dr. Dre Did None of the Production. He Also Speaks About Snoop’s Murder Trial, the Impact of Death Row and More.

Suge Knight spoke at length with Rolling Stone about Doggystyle, Snoop, Dr. Dre, Tupac and Death Row Records in light of the 20th anniversary of Doggystyle. The Death Row captain is not short on words and definitely not afraid of stirring controversy. Below are a few excerpts from the article... Read more

November 26, 2013 Throwback

Snoop Dogg Throws Down A Megamix Of All The Doggystyle Samples (Video)

Snoop Dogg has a few different monikers for his crafts. In 2008, as QDT, he quietly teamed with DJ Quik and Teddy Riley to produce a big chunk of Ego Trippin'. As a DJ, Snoop goes by DJ Snoopadelic. Always having fun, Doggy Dogg kicked off a celebration weekend of... Read more

November 22, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Snoop Doggy Dogg Releases a Mix of the Soulful Samples of Doggystyle (Audio)

Snoop Doggy Dogg's classic Doggystyle album turns 20 years old. As part of what is sure to be an extended celebration, Snoop has released a mix of the samples the fueled the album. Given that this was one of the most soulful and funky Hip-Hop albums of all time, you... Read more

November 22, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Young Buck & Game Hit The Studio For The First Time In Almost 10 Years

Wow. In a year that's seen Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight photographed together, Jay Z and Dame Dash caught in a flick together, it now goes to the G-Unit camp, or former camp, together in the studio. In the falling out of Game from G-Unit in 2005, Buck was one... Read more

November 21, 2013 Throwback

N.O.R.E. Recalls His First Real Rap Battle, Behind Bars (Video)

If you've ever hung around N.O.R.E., or listened to the Lefrak City, Queens MC discuss Hip-Hop, you'll know he is absolutely, positively, a Head. The man also known as P.A.P.I. has always balanced his Reggaeton transitions, or his club-minded hits with tracks that not only provided major label opportunities to... Read more

November 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Rare European 1995 Notorious B.I.G. Interview Released (Video)

1995 was such an interesting year in the life of The Notorious B.I.G. In the year following Ready To Die, Biggie Smalls transitioned from the Bed-Stuy rapper on the stoop kickin' it with DJ Premier, R.A. The Rugged Man, and Organized Konfusion to a mafiaso-dressing MC who wore shades, carried... Read more

November 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Geto Boys are Truly One of the Most Unsung Groups in Hip-Hop. This is Their Story. (Video)

The latest installment of TV One's bioseries focuses on the story of Rap-A-Lot records and their signature artist, the Geto Boys. Witness the stories of Willie D, Bushwick Bill and the one and only Scarface. Your browser does not support iframes. Related: Geto Boys Interview + Performance (Video)... Read more

November 16, 2013 Throwback

A Look At Bill Adler’s Def Jam Records Archives (Video)

Bill Adler was among the first folks hired at fledgling early 1980s label Def Jam Records. The house that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin built, in its earliest days, would include T. La Rock, LL Cool J, and the management of Rap superstars Run-DMC. Adler directed the label's Publicity department... Read more

November 15, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Wu-Tang Clan Reflects On Place In Hip-Hop After 20 Years (Video)

Five members of the Clan, as well as Shyheim and Cappadonna reflect on the group's 20 years of greatness for Revolt. It's short quotes, but a nice montage that makes you catch the vibe of one of the active jewels of Rap. Masta Killa says it's "20 years at the... Read more

November 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Method Man Returns to Where He Grew Up in Staten Island to talk Wu Origins (Video)

From Grantland: "Twenty years after releasing 'Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers,' Method Man returns to Staten Island's Park Hill Projects to detail how he became known as a rapper, the recording of the legendary album, and his special technique of serving drugs to customers in automobiles." Related: Remembering Wu-Tang Clan’s... Read more

November 11, 2013 Throwback

Remembering Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

There are certain albums in Hip-Hop that were complete game-changers. Run-DMC’s 1983 self-titled album ripped the Disco out of Rap and, with a new look of Kangol hats, leather jackets and shell-toed Adidas along with crossed arms and boasts of college pursuits, took ownership of the culture. Five years later,... Read more

November 11, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

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

The Ultimate 1970s Grimy New York City Movie Megamix (Video)

The old New York influenced a lot of Hip-Hop. While Grandmaster Melle Mel may have been talking about The Bronx in "The Message," the vibes of "people pissin' on the street 'cause they just don't care" was not exclusive to any of the five boroughs throughout the 1970s and early... Read more

November 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Def Jam’s Bill Adler Remembers Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures… 25 Years Later

You might know Bill Adler, and you might not. "Ill Badler," as his maroon Def Jam Records varsity jacket used to read, was the original (and the best) head of Publicity Def Jam ever had. Russell Simmons hired Bill, who would help acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, The... Read more

November 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Talib Kweli Says Follow Him Down the Wormhole in His Latest Single (Audio)

Talib Kweli takes rappers to task for kicking false knowledge in his latest single. Illuminati? Materialism? Corrupt government? All in Kweli's cross hairs. He says follow him down the Wormhole, if you want the real. Check it out. Related: Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru (Video)... Read more

November 2, 2013 Throwback

Mary J. Blige and Nas’ Rise Up Shepherd & Follow is the First R&B and Hip-Hop Christmas Collabo of the Season (Audio)

It's way too early for Christmas music, right? Not when it comes courtesy of Mary J. Blige and Nas...Nasir and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul have come together for an inspirational and soulful Christmas song that is more anthem than carol. Check out Rise Up Shepherd and Follow from the... Read more

October 31, 2013 Throwback

Mister Cee Pays Tribute to Jam Master Jay with a Mix (Mixtape)

As has become customary on the anniversary of the loss of Hip-Hop icons, Mister Cee has put together a mix celebrating the legacy of Jam Master Jay. You can stream and download the collection of Run-D.M.C. classics below. Related: EPMD’s DJ Scratch Speaks About His Friend and Mentor Jam Master... Read more

October 30, 2013 Throwback

Boogie Down Productions’ Duck Down Alternate Version, Possibly Battling Another Crew? (Audio)

The final Boogie Down Productions album, 1992's Sex & Violence doesn't always get the love that the other B.D.P. albums get. However, with Freddie Foxxx, Prince Paul, DJ Kenny Parker and Heather B involved, this joint was instrumental of many things to come. S&V's second single "Duck Down" (reportedly where... Read more

October 29, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Get A Glimpse Of The Jimi Hendrix Hear My Train A Comin’ Documentary (Video)

Jimi Hendrix was a guitar god. The master of Blues, Rock and Psychedelia all in one has been the subject of many books in films. Outside of the prospects of OutKast's Andre 3000 playing the Washington state native in a biopic, Jimi's ties to Hip-Hop run deep. The music of... Read more

October 24, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Kenny Parker Unearths 22 Minutes Of Lost KRS-One & DJ Scott La Rock Dopeness (Audio)

For as busy as he's been for the last 27 years, KRS-One is not the best curator of his own body of works. However, lucky for the Boogie Down Productions co-founder, The Teacha has always rolled with people that know how to chronicle the times. Kris' brother, DJ Kenny Parker... Read more

October 24, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Yancey Boys, T3 and C-Minus Trade Verses on a Dope Previously Unreleased Dilla Beat on Jeep Volume (Audio)

J. Dilla passed away more than 7 years ago but he lives on through his music. Yancey Boys (Frank Nitt & Dilla's brother Illa J) have unearthed a previously unreleased Dilla production and gone to work on it with C-Minus and Slum Village's T3. The beat sounds like it is... Read more

October 22, 2013 Throwback

WC Explains Why He Avoided The Westside Connection & Cypress Hill Beef (Video)

One of the feuds that people tend to forget is the 1996 battle between Westside Connection and Cypress Hill. In the wake of 2Pac's murder, Eazy-E's death, and all the subliminals happening between The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan, it's easy to forget. However, a clever interviewer briefly asked... Read more

October 21, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Black Moon Tells Enta Da Stage Stories 20 Years Later (Video)

Twenty years ago this month, Buckshort, DJ Evil Dee and 5FT made history with their debut album Enta Da Stage. As Black Moon, the Brooklyn trio gave Hip-Hop a sound that sounded just as edgy as the lyrics. A careful balance of stick-up tactics, weed-induced riddims, and '90s NYC imagery,... Read more

October 16, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Members Of Ultramagnetic MCs & Main Source Remember The Late Paul C.

For those that don't know, one of Hip-Hop's unseen hands in the late 1980s was a Queens, New York engineer/producer named Paul "C" McKasty. Large Professor, who came up with Paul (both with works uncredited) on albums by Eric B. & Rakim and Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, named... Read more

October 16, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Serial Killers (Xzibit, Demrick and Cypress Hill’s B-Real) Release Legends Never Die Featuring Ea$y Money and Produced by Statik Selektah (Audio)

The latest release from the recently formed group Serial Killers (comprised of Xzibit, B-Real and Demrick) is driven by an acoustic guitar and has a vibe similar to some of Everlast's solo material post-House of Pain. It is reflective and moody, yet catchy. Check out the aptly titled Legends Never... Read more

October 11, 2013 Throwback

Smif N Wessun – Solid Ground ft Junior Reid

There are times when artists swerve from their usual style and a train wreck ensues, however sometimes, it just works. The latest from Smif N Wessun is a prime example of the latter. Digressing from the sound of their previous releases, the Brooklyn MCs are releasing a new 6 song... Read more

October 10, 2013 Throwback

The Making Of Ice Cube’s It Was A Good Day (Video)

It's been just over 20 years since Ice Cube unveiled his most-known solo record, "It Was A Good Day." The Predator single is a staple in the G-Funk canon, and something that while is very South Central-specific in its imagery, has been a tangible song to pretty much everybody who... Read more

October 10, 2013 Throwback

DMC Unveiling New Comic Book In New York City

It seems like one of the "Kings of Rock" has found a new area he'd like to conquer. This coming Saturday, October 12, 2013, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels will be signing autographs for Issue #0 of his very own comic book titled DMC. The signing will take place at this year's New York... Read more

October 9, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pusha T Decodes Nosetalgia (Video)

In the ongoing series, Pusha T sits with Life + Times to discuss "Nosetalgia," his much-talked about Kendrick Lamar collaboration from My Name Is My Name, released today. This is one of the biggest collaborations of 2013. Related: Pusha T – Decodes King Push (Video)... Read more

October 8, 2013 Throwback, Video

Geto Boys Interview + Performance

Even before the death of Eazy-E, it had been nearly four years since N.W.A. was in a room together, amicably—and that was without Ice Cube. Eric B. & Rakim have not done an interview together in over 20 years. There are so many collectives that you cannot get together. It's... Read more

October 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Write Of Passage: Graffiti’s True History Explored

When it comes to the elements of Hip-Hop, it seems that one element always has had more of a negative light shined on it than the others. Although graffiti was just as influential in the beginning of Hip-Hop as b-boying, DJing, and being an MC, it's taken a backseat over... Read more

October 7, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier vs. DJ Whoo Kid on The Whoolywood Shuffle (Video)

DJ Premier sat down with DJ Whoo Kid and told Hip-Hop stories for days. Primo spoke on being the official DJ for The Cypher, Gang Starr, the original more controversial version of KRS-One's Outta Here, his relationships with Big L, Kanye, Tupac, Jay Z and more. Check out the video... Read more

October 7, 2013 Throwback

Pusha T – My Name is My Name (Album Stream)

Can't wait to hear Pusha T's My Name is My Name album? Not to worry, Pusha has released a full stream of the album for your listening pleasure. The album features guest verses from Kendrick Lamar, Jeezy, Pharrell and more, as well as production from Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Nottz,... Read more

October 1, 2013 Throwback

Thundercat & The Roots – Heartbreaks + Setbacks Performance (Video)

One of the best parts about having The Roots on "Late Night" with Jimmy Fallon is the exposure to new music. Heads can often hope that whether Mac Miller's artistic evolution, De La Soul deep cuts, or Big K.R.I.T's breakthrough, that bedrooms and living-rooms everywhere are getting exposed to better... Read more

October 1, 2013 Fresh, Throwback, Video

2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher Artists Announced

Taped tonight in Atlanta, BET's 2013 Hip-Hop Awards is coming on October 15 at 8pm EST. With the cyphers already making big noise on Twitter (especially from the Aftermath Entertainment camp), here are all 34 participants, as reported by BET.com. This year's lineup features the usual breakthrough artists (Action Bronson,... Read more

September 29, 2013 Throwback

Edan Pays Tribute To The Poets Of Rhythm (Video)

The Poets Of Rhythm are a veteran Funk outfit from Munich, Germany that are celebrating their 21st year of making music. To Heads, you may have heard the P.O.R. band when they linked with Quannum Projects (especially Latyrx) in the late '90s-early 2000s. With Brooklyn-based modern-Funk empire Daptone Records putting... Read more

September 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Deadly Venoms – 1998 Interview (Video)

In the era of Slaughterhouse, Black Hippy, Run The Jewels, CZARFACE and others, Heads are used to super-groups. One super-group that never got the shine they deserved is the Deadly Venoms (aka 5 Deadly Venoms). Not to be confused with the amazing Diamond D/D.I.T.C. posse cut from '97, this was... Read more

September 26, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Official Schoolly D & DJ Code Money T-Shirts Released

Rakim Told Me author/Hip-Hop curator Brian Coleman is a friend of AmbrosiaForHeads. The Boston-based veteran journalist recently launched Good Road Goods—a shirt line that includes vintage fully-licensed photographs that are important to Coleman. His most recent included Philadelphia icon, Godfather of Gangsta Rap Schoolly D and his celebrated DJ Code... Read more

September 25, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Big Daddy Kane Interview On The Combat Jack Show (Video)

When somebody with Big Daddy Kane's legacy speaks, Hip-Hop listens. The former Juice Crew MC sat down with The Combat Jack Show and kicked more than two hours of knowledge covering everything but the chicken sink. From wanting to battle KRS-One back in the day, to how Doug E. Fresh... Read more

September 24, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

R.I.P. To Flipside From O.F.T.B.

Watts, California has a deep social history, as captured in films like Killer Of Sheep and moments like Wattstax. In Hip-Hop, the notorious section of South Central Los Angeles has produced major label artists in the form of Kam, Glasses Malone, and Jay Rock. One group from the publicized Nickerson... Read more

September 24, 2013 Fresh, Throwback