Throwback Archives

This 20th Anniversary Jay Z Mix Leaves No Doubt His Debut Was A Classic (Audio)

This Saturday (June 25) marks the 20th anniversary of Jay Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The 1996 Roc-A-Fella/Priority Records LP would launch a career trajectory that has arguably been one of Hip-Hop's biggest, transcending from the Marcy Houses to the top of Hip-Hop, as well as streaming platforms, fashion, liquor,... Read more

June 21, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

This Notorious B.I.G. & Lord Finesse Cypher Will BLOW YOUR MIND (Video)

The Notorious B.I.G. (a/k/a Biggie Smalls) is revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs. The Brooklyn, New Yorker beautifully inserted wit, wordplay, and lots of self-confidence into his most memorable rhymes. Somebody who started out just a couple years before Biggie was Bronx, New Yorker Lord Finesse. The MC/DJ/producer who... Read more

June 20, 2016 Throwback

Ever See The Time Muhammad Ali Saved A Man’s Life? (Video)

Although Muhammad Ali was extremely gifted in the boxing ring, what made him "The Greatest" was also what he did outside of the sport. Beyond his well-documented civil rights stands, Ali was a humanitarian and someone who cared deeply about others. Perhaps no instance exemplified this better than what Ali... Read more

June 18, 2016 Throwback

Rare Photographs Of Rakim Show Why He’s Hip-Hop Royalty

Last summer, in conjunction with the theatrical release of Straight Outta Compton, Ambrosia For Heads spoke to Stephan Armleder (a/k/a The Genevan Heathen). A B-Boy to the core (who also DJs and produces), The Genevan Heathen has been documenting N.W.A. and its members through scanning photographs, advertisements, trading cards, and... Read more

June 18, 2016 Throwback

Del The Funky Homosapien Reveals Ice Cube Wrote One Of His Hits

Last month, veteran Compton, California MC King T revealed some of the once downplayed writing that Del The Funky Homosapien did for cousin Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted album. Del, then a relative unknown, would pen "Gangsta's Fairytale" from the Priority Records solo debut. On the back of that album,... Read more

June 17, 2016 Throwback

Stretch & Bobbito Recall Expectations Around Nas’ Illmatic Release (Audio)

Last night (June 13), Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber returned to radio, in a new way. The legendary New York City duo conducted two hours of live radio via Samsung 837 approximately 26 years after the pair began with a historic eight-year run at Columbia University's WKCR 89.9FM radio... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Prince Paul Reveals Gravediggaz Recordings Predate Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

The meteoric rise of the Wu-Tang Clan was by no means an overnight achievement. While Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck and others were introduced to the world care of late 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) debut by the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA and GZA had careers stemming back into... Read more

June 13, 2016 Throwback

Craig G Details The Making Of “The Symphony,” Including Who Wrote What (Video)

This month, Queens, New York MC Craig G released his seventh studio album, I Rap And Go Home. The Soulspazm Records effort features Buckshot, Ras Kass, and Jarobi of A Tribe Called Quest, among others. The battle-tested lyricist has enjoyed a professional recording career that has endured more than 30... Read more

June 10, 2016 Throwback, Video

The Magical Day When Prince & Muhammad Ali Met (Video)

Though 2016 is not yet halfway over, it already has been one in which several tremendous pop culture icons have been lost. David Bowie, Phife Dawg, Prince and Muhammad Ali are just some of those greats. However, while their physical forms are no longer among us, their bodies of work... Read more

June 6, 2016 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher Featuring Big L & AG? (Video)

In the late 90s, one of the first Internet Hip-Hop shows came courtesy of 88hiphop.com. The site was far ahead of its time, as it launched when the overwhelming majority of consumers still had dial up modems. For those with the access and the patience to endure endless buffering, however,... Read more

June 4, 2016 Throwback

Talib Kweli Recalls How Blown Away He Was By An Unsigned Kanye West’s Talent (Video)

Talib Kweli and Kanye West have made several notable collaborations. That artistry began 14 years ago, with the release of the Brooklyn, New York MC's first solo album, Quality. Following acclaimed full-length projects with Black Star and Reflection Eternal, the Rawkus Records flagship artist embarked on his first release through... Read more

June 3, 2016 Throwback, Video

N.W.A. & Close Affiliates Detail The Making Of efil4zaggiN 25 Years Later

Over the last 12 months, much has been discussed about N.W.A.'s groundbreaking album Straight Outta Compton. The classic LP was given new life when the N.W.A. biopic of the same name was released. Although the film covered the entire lifespan of the group, its central focus was on the time leading... Read more

June 3, 2016 Throwback

Prince Paul Pushed More Boundaries With His Prince Among Thieves Film (Video)

In 1999, Prince Paul raised the stakes in an already illustrious career. After pivotal work with Stetsasonic and Gravediggaz, the Long Island, New Yorker had proven himself to be a visionary. More recognizably, the vet was largely responsible for the sounds of the first three De La Soul LPs, as... Read more

May 28, 2016 Throwback, TV/Film

Run-DMC & Aerosmith Reveal Why They Didn’t Want To “Walk This Way”

Thirty years ago this month, Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith teamed for "Walk This Way." Eleven years after the Boston, Massachusetts band recorded the initial version of their single, its creators—Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would learn that the drums (courtesy of Joey Kramer) had been re-appropriated by the Hip-Hop community. As... Read more

May 24, 2016 Throwback

Easy Mo Bee Confirms Tupac Was Trying To End The East/West Beef

Easy Mo Bee is one of the artists who worked with Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. the closest, during the mid-1990s. While acts like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Method Man, and Buckshot would record with both MCs, the Brooklyn, New York producer was deeply responsible for the soundscapes of Biggie Smalls'... Read more

May 23, 2016 Throwback

Kanye West’s 1997 Beat Tape Travels To The Past In A “Spaceship” (Audio)

In 1998, Kanye West the producer broke through in a major way. The hungry artist from Chicago, Illinois landed on two big albums, care of joints on Foxy Brown's platinum #1, Chyna Doll (see: "My Life") and Jermaine Dupri's star-studded solo debut, Life In 1472 (see: the Nas-assisted "Intro [Turn It... Read more

May 23, 2016 Throwback

Mister Cee Celebrates Biggie’s B’day With A Mix Of Rarities & Deep Cuts

This past weekend, the world celebrated the life of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. Puff Daddy reunited much of the Bad Boy Records family (and friends) with jaw-dropping Friday night show (May 20) at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center. Meanwhile, that same borough honored Biggie Smalls with... Read more

May 23, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Greg Nice Reveals Details About The East/West Peace Album Tupac Was Recording When He Died (Video)

In the month of May, the unreleased music of Tupac Shakur has been the topic of discussion. The reported 152 songs belonging to the estate of the slain Hip-Hop superstar are said to now be in the hands of the music executive who signed him to Interscope Records in the... Read more

May 19, 2016 Throwback, Video

Fat Joe Reveals The NBA Player Whose Wife Biggie Described On “I Got A Story To Tell” (Video)

In late 2014, former New York Knicks star Point Guard John Starks appeared on ESPN's Highly Questionable. There, host Bomani Jones asked the former all-star about long-speculated rumors that The Notorious B.I.G. was dissing him on 1997's "I Got A Story To Tell." The Buckwild, Chucky Thompson, and Puff Daddy-produced... Read more

May 17, 2016 Throwback, Video

Imagine Souls Of Mischief’s “93 ‘Til Infinity” Remixed To Over 15 Amazing Beats From 1993 (Audio)

Souls Of Mischief's "93 'til Infinity" remains a pinnacle for the veteran Oakland, California quartet. From the Jive/Zomba Records album of the same name, the introductory work from the Hieroglyphics members would see their strongest chart traction for album and single, in showing the rest of the world how they... Read more

May 13, 2016 Throwback

De La Soul Bring Their Classic Back From The Dead, With An Unreleased Song

Twenty five years ago, De La Soul Is Dead released. The sophomore album from the Long Island, New York trio of Posdnuos, Trugoy (n/k/a Dave), and Maseo would be a distinct mood-shift from 1989's 3 Feet High And Rising. However, thanks to its frontier sound, imagery, and creativity—which can also... Read more

May 13, 2016 Throwback

Showbiz Recounts The Trauma Of Seeing Big L Moments After He Was Killed

Big L would make one of his first album appearances care of 1992's "Represent" on Showbiz & A.G.'s Runaway Slave album. Appearing alongside Show, A.G., Deshawn, and mentor Lord Finesse, Lamont Coleman proved to be an unsigned, teenage MC with great promise. Three years later, on Big L's 1995 debut... Read more

May 11, 2016 Throwback

Russell Simmons Reveals His Secret For Balancing Commercial Success With Maintaining Crediblity (Video)

Throughout Russell Simmons' founding tenure at Def Jam Records, the Hollis Queens, New York native developed a number of hugely successful artists and albums. The Beastie Boys' Licensed To Ill, DMX's It's Dark And Hell Is Hot and Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood, Method Man's Tical 2000:... Read more

May 10, 2016 Throwback, Video

Tupac’s Original Version Of “Dear Mama” Emerges & It Features A Sample Of Yo-Yo On The Chorus (Audio)

In 1995, Tupac Shakur would release what may be the most definitive song of his career in "Dear Mama." Appearing on the #1, multi-platinum Me Against The World album, the Tony Pizarro-produced first single countered the Shakur portrayed in the media. While the Thug Life front-man was in prison for... Read more

May 5, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Latyrx Finally Visualizes One Of Hip-Hop’s Best Songs About A Femme Fatale (Video)

Out of Davis, California's Solesides movement emerged Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, and author/scholar Jeff Chang. Another key part of the mid-1990s wave would be Latryx. Heard on Blackalicious' 1994 Melodica EP, the pairing of Lyrics Born and Lateef The Truthspeaker would blend melodic Funk with Hip-Hop for a sound all its... Read more

May 2, 2016 Throwback

Russell Simmons Crowns Def Jam’s Greatest Album & His Favorite Artist (Video)

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin began releasing Def Jam Records singles in 1984. Started in a New York University dorm room (occupied by Rubin), the company would expand to become a reported $115 million property by the late 1990s. From original flagship artist LL Cool J, Def Jam would play... Read more

May 2, 2016 Throwback, Video

This Mix Of 1980s Hip-Hop Travels A Road Of Riches That Will Leave You Paid In Full (Audio)

When we look back in Hip-Hop, our gaze often hones in on the 90s, and rightfully so, as that era spawned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clang, Tupac, Jay-Z, OutKast, Snoop and so many other all-time greats. However, each of those legends will say it was MCs from the 80s who inspired... Read more

May 1, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Here’s An Oral History Of The Making Of The Fat Boys’ “All You Can Eat”

More than 30 years after its release, Krush Groove remains an all-time favorite Hip-Hop film for many. The movie, which was loosely based on the rise of Def Jam Recordings, starred Blair Underwood, Sheila E., Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow and more, and featured appearances by several acts, including Beastie Boys, LL... Read more

April 29, 2016 Throwback

Willie D Reveals The Origins Of Geto Boys’ “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” (Audio)

In the last three years, Scarface has had at least two very memorable interview conversations with the Combat Jack Show. In his latest episode, Combat sits down with another high profile Geto Boys member in Willie D. The Houston, Texas native and onetime Rap-A-Lot Records star discusses his views on... Read more

April 27, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Producer Mike Mosley Reveals Several MCs Who Witnessed Tupac Record “Hit ‘Em Up” (Video)

In the mid-1990s, Tupac Shakur revamped his production personnel. While 1996's All Eyez On Me would be his first album at Death Row Records, working extensively with the label's production staff, those changes started taking shape even prior. On 1995's #1 LP, Me Against The World, 'Pac maintained a close... Read more

April 26, 2016 Throwback, Video

Prince & Big Daddy Kane’s 1989 “Batdance Remix” Is Finally Released (Audio)

In 1989, the Batman franchise relaunched with the title film starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Kim Basinger. For the soundtrack, Warner Bros. Records tapped Prince for an entire album companion to the blockbuster film. Led by single "Batdance," Prince's 11th album (and a #1 on the charts) appeared to... Read more

April 24, 2016 Audio, Throwback

The Beatnuts Confirm Onetime “Secret Group” Including Q-Tip, Posdnuos & Juju (Audio)

For 25-plus years, The Beatnuts have been Hip-Hop multi-threats. The Queens, New York duo of Juju and Psycho Les (that also at times included Fashion and V.I.C.) have stories to go with their hits. Beyond their own prominent recording career, the pair has made beloved songs for Ghostface Killah, Fat... Read more

April 22, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Celebrate Redman’s Birthday With This Rare 1995 Funk Doc Prescription (Audio)

Today (April 17) is Reggie Noble's birthday. The man better known as Redman has been giving Hip-Hop Heads quote-worthy verses, one-of-a-kind charisma, and sheer originality for more than 25 years. In all of that time, he has been one tough mudder on the mic. In 1995, Funk Doc was in... Read more

April 17, 2016 Throwback

Maxwell Ascended 20 Years Ago & We Haven’t Wondered About Soul Music Since (Video)

A lot of people owe their lives to Maxwell, quite literally. When the super Soul singer unleashed his Urban Hang Suite 20 years ago this month (April 2), it was a potent arrow from Cupid's quiver for lovers of music and lovers, generally. The album quickly became the soundtrack for... Read more

April 9, 2016 Throwback

Witness The Greatness Of Run-DMC With This Rare 1985 Concert (Video)

On this day in 1984 (March 27), Run-D.M.C. released their seminal debut eponymous album. In the canon of game-changing Hip-Hop albums, that album is one of the first, and possibly the biggest. Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay synthesized the hardness they heard in the genre's pioneers, and adapted it... Read more

March 27, 2016 Throwback

Here’s A Never Before Released Fugees Freestyle From 1995 That Settles The Score (Audio)

In 1995, The Fugees were in between Underground Hip-Hop obscurity and super-stardom. The year prior, they had released Blunted On Reality. In early '96, they would rake in the multiple platinum plaques with the aptly-titled The Score. According to mentor and producer Salaam Remi, it was in '95 that the New Jersey... Read more

March 17, 2016 Throwback

Watch Nate Dogg Freestyle A Hook & See Why He Will Forever Regulate (Video)

Five years ago today (March 15, 2011), the world lost Nate Dogg. The four-time Grammy-nominated hit-maker and founding member of 213 injected a Gospel Soul sensibility into Hip-Hop through three solo albums, a group record, and hits for Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Tupac, Ludacris, Mos Def, Eminem, and... Read more

March 15, 2016 Throwback

Many Have Never Seen Mos Def’s First Music Video. Here It Is.

The mighty Mos Def (n/k/a Yasiin Bey) has a Hip-Hop career that spans well over 20 years. The Brooklyn, New York MC burst on the scene care of major appearances alongside De La Soul, Da Bush Babees, and DJ Honda—but he had his own thing brewing, even before Rawkus Records... Read more

March 13, 2016 Throwback

Sha Rock Was the First Female MC on National TV. Here’s Her 1981 Performance (Video)

On Valentine's Day in 1981, when Hip-Hop was by and large a completely unrecognized cultural form, national television aired the first appearance by a female rapper. 35 years later, during Woman's History Month, footage of that historic performance has re-surfaced, and it is a remarkable trip down the proverbial Memory... Read more

March 12, 2016 Throwback

Mister Cee Explains Why Biggie’s “Ready To Die” Sounds Like 2 Different Albums

This morning (March 9), Brooklyn, New York DJ/producer/radio personality Mister Cee appeared on Sway In The Morning. On the 19th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.'s tragic (and unsolved) murder, Cee recalled his hand in turning a street-corner MC into arguably Rap's greatest ever. Beginning the interview, Mister Cee recalls friend... Read more

March 9, 2016 Throwback

This Oral History of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Shows Why Their Music Is Eternal.

Last year, Cleveland, Ohio Hip-Hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony celebrated the 20th anniversary of their iconic album, E. 1999 Eternal. In recognition of the milestone, the five-member crew undertook a massive tour, an opportunity for fans both young and old to reconnect with music that influenced a generation. Bizzy Bone, Flesh-n-Bone, Krayzie... Read more

March 5, 2016 Throwback

O.D.B. Put The “Free” In Freestyle In This 1995 Outburst (Audio)

Twenty years ago this week, O.D.B. was waiting to see if he would win the Grammy for "Best Rap Album." The 1995 debut, Return To The 36 Chambers (The Dirty Version) would ultimately lose to Naughty By Nature's Poverty's Paradise, but the unconventional Brooklyn, New York MC was clearly reaching... Read more

February 25, 2016 Throwback

A Track Tupac Produced & Wrote For MC Hammer Surfaces & It’s Too Tight (Audio & Video)

To describe Tupac as prolific in the eleven months after his release from prison and before his death would be a gross understatement. According to reports, Pac recorded more than 14 songs in the first two weeks after his return home and, over the next several months, he had enough... Read more

February 23, 2016 Throwback

Ever Hear Dr. Dre’s Lost Song “My Life” From ’95? It’s One Of His Best (Audio)

Twenty years ago, Dr. Dre was gathering his things as he prepared to exit Death Row Records. As the legend has it, the label co-founder would relinquish his master recordings, and his stake in the multi-platinum dynasty. At the time, the label was overseen by Marion "Suge" Knight—Dre's manager and... Read more

February 21, 2016 Throwback

Rick Rubin Shares Memories Of His First Time Ever Recording With LL Cool J

LL Cool J's career is greatly owed to Rick Rubin, at least his discovery. And perhaps Rick Rubin's own success is largely owed to the gravitas of LL Cool J. The breakthrough Def Jam Records artist would be one of the earliest label acts, on the fledgling imprint launched by... Read more

February 20, 2016 Throwback

Fugees Producer Salaam Remi Explains How They Went From Underground MCs To Global Superstars

Twenty years ago, The Fugees released The Score. The February 13, 1996 album transformed the trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras from New Jersey Underground Hip-Hop hopefuls to cultural icons. The RuffHouse/Sony Records album would go six-times platinum in the United States alone, and eventually pivot to everything... Read more

February 15, 2016 Food for Thought, Throwback

Snoop Shows Why He’s The Boss Dogg on This 20-Minute 1996 Freestyle (Audio)

1996 was a tumultuous year for the artist known as Snoop Doggy Dogg. The Long Beach, California Rap superstar was acquitted for a murder trial that had started shortly after his skyrocketing fame. In the exhalation of that, he was soon faced with the murder of close friend and collaborator... Read more

February 11, 2016 Throwback

Del The Funky Homosapien & Souls Of Mischief’s 1997 Freestyle Is A Purist’s Paradise (Audio)

In 1997, the Hieroglyphics crew was embarking on the early stages of an independent Hip-Hop empire. Del The Funky Homosapien (or "Del Tha Funkee Homosapien" as it was at the time) had released two heralded albums with Elektra Records. The Oakland, California quarter of Souls of Mischief has been part... Read more

February 10, 2016 Throwback

Press Play On Jeru The Damaja’s 1991-1992 Guru-Produced Demo (Audio)

Jeru The Damaja emerged as one of—if not the biggest star of the Gang Starr Foundation. The Brooklyn, New York MC would sign with Guru's Ill Kid Records in the early 1990s, before releasing acclaimed DJ Premier-produced albums The Sun Rises In The East and Wrath Of The Math. Both... Read more

February 3, 2016 Throwback

Imagine If The CREAM Sample Wu-Tang Used Went to KRS Instead. It Almost Happened… (Audio)

K-Def is one accomplished producer. The New Jersey native is known for his extensive discography, which includes work with Lords Of The Underground, UGK, and Puff Daddy. The onetime protege of Marley Marl, K-Def has maintained a career in music for nearly 25 years. In 1993, Def was hard at... Read more

February 2, 2016 Throwback