Throwback Archives

Gang Starr Hit Yo! MTV Raps Amidst Their 1994 Mass Appeal, With A Freestyle (Video)

Throughout the history of Gang Starr, there were a host of important albums and movements. In the late 1990s, Guru and DJ Premier went gold (with a Top 10) in Moment Of Truth, gathering the award tour of a much-deserved greatest hits look follow-up, Full Clip. A decade prior, it... Read more

September 6, 2015 Throwback

Royal Flush Iced Down New York City’s Late ’90s Run Alongside N.O.R.E. (Video)

1997 was one of Rap's most transitional years. In the settling dust of the East Coast vs. West Coast feud, both shorelines produced some standout Hip-Hop albums. Not all of the material necessarily made the charts, but it was in this resettling that movements such as Rawkus, No Limit, Cash... Read more

September 3, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Kev Brown’s Take On Jay Z’s Black Album Was An Unauthorized Remix That Surely Is Official (Album Stream)

Upon its November, 2003 release, Jay Z's The Black Album beckoned an onslaught of remixes. Ironically, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records LP is heralded for its star-studded production (Kanye West, Eminem, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, DJ Quik, etc.). Still, in his ever-innovative foresight, Jay encouraged the masses of... Read more

August 27, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

N.W.A. Were Not the Only Ones to Say Eff The Police. J Dilla Did Too…

The life and career of J Dilla (a/k/a Jay Dee) has become something of a legend. The Detroit, Michigan producer/MC made an indelible impact on music in a 10-year run between Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1 and Donuts. With a thumping sound, a steadfast lyrical bravado, and a penchant for looking beyond... Read more

August 26, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate Aaliyah’s Life and Legacy With This Extended Video of Her Story In Her Words (Video)

Aaliyah passed away fourteen years ago today, when a plane crash claimed her life and those of eight others who were with her. While her music has endured and remains a fixture on radio, video and playlists worldwide, glimpses of Aaliyah Haughton, the person, are more rare. To celebrate her... Read more

August 25, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Run-D.M.C. & Whodini Cypher From 1985? (Video)

The year was 1985 and Whodini and Run-D.M.C. were speaking at a seminar. All six members--Run, D and Jam Jam Master Jay for Run-D.M.C., and Jalil, Ecstasy and Grandmaster Dee for Whodini--were present and seated together at a table. Not one to waste an opportunity with a microphone, Jalil decided... Read more

August 23, 2015 Throwback

Jungle Brothers Are Often The Forgotten Tongues Who Helped Teach The Native Lingo (Video)

For a collective that never made an album, and rarely performed under their decided moniker, the Native Tongues' relevancy has never waned. Despite the fact that A Tribe Called Quest has exclusively (and sporadically) been a touring group since The Love Movement, De La Soul existed without formal releases for... Read more

August 20, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Rare 25-Year Old N.W.A. Photos & Collectibles Resurface, Care of a Longterm Fan (Interview)

Only now, in 2015, is N.W.A. a group that can test the waters of the digital era. It's been nearly 25 years since the group existed, and more than that since it had its famous five member lineup including Ice Cube. In 1988, there were no blogs, no streams, no... Read more

August 17, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Straight Outta Compton Got Ya Craving An Electro-Rap Vibe? One Of Dre’s Partners Delivers (Mix)

Whether you watch Breakin' or you listen to The Chronic, you've heard the work of Chris "The Glove" Taylor. As moviegoers catch Straight Outta Compton to catch glimpses of Dr. Dre and DJ Yella in Los Angeles, California's early 1980s Electro-Rap scene, The Glove was at the forefront. Ice-T's first... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

JAY-Z Had A Diss Reply Ready For Tupac In 1996. He Even Performed It.

When Nas and Jay Z were entrenched in one of Hip-Hop's most famous battles and beefs, it is Tupac Shakur's words that open up one of the crossfire's most scathing attacks, Nas' "Ether." It was an unusual move for one rival of Tupac to use the slain rapper in his... Read more

August 14, 2015 Throwback

Remember The 50th Anniversary Of The Watts Riots By Revisiting Wattstax (Video)

Fifty years ago today (August 11, 1965) the Watts Riots began. In South Central Los Angeles, California, the Watts Rebellion (as it also known) would last one week. The historic event followed a Black motorist, Marquette Frye's traffic arrest by a white Los Angeles Police Department officer Lee Minikus. Frye was... Read more

August 11, 2015 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise Is 20 Years Old Today. Take A Walk Back Through The Valley

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Coolio seemed to be living in the shadows. A product of Southern California, the MC born Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. made some of his first noise alongside WC, DJ Crazy Toones and the collective known as WC & The Maad Circle. As the... Read more

August 8, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Dr. Dre, Nas, KRS-One, B-Real, Scarface & RBX Came Together In The Aftermath Of Coastal Conflict (Video)

Tomorrow (August 7), Dr. Dre is slated to drop his first album in 16 years. Compton, as it is called, follows 2001 in a career that has emphasized quality over quantity. In conjunction with next week's Straight Outta Compton biopic (August 14), Dre returned to his studios and invited friends... Read more

August 6, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Get The Backstory To The Presumed First Ever Photo Of N.W.A. (Video)

In the history of N.W.A., the pre-1988 material often lives in the shadows. The "Panic Zone" 12" featured artwork also purposed for 1987's N.W.A. & The Posse compilation album on Macola. Author, DJ, historian, and Soul Sides founder Oliver Wang examined this photograph from '87, leading up to this month's... Read more

August 4, 2015 Throwback, Video

Ever See This Big Pun & Terror Squad Cypher in the Back of a Limo? (Video)

Here's a look back at a behind the scenes moment with Big Pun, Prospect and Cuban Link from Terror Squad, and Charlie Hustle. In an experience that was much like a true to life segment from Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang Clan: 36 Chambers, the crew was in the back... Read more

August 1, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Run DMC vs. Kool Moe Dee on “Graffiti Rock” (Video)

It was 1984 and New York City was home to a youth culture that was piquing the interest of not only its residents, but also the press. Hip-Hop was steadily becoming an identifiable culture to outsiders, and its unique styles of dance, fashion, music, and language was infectious. Its appeal... Read more

July 30, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

45 King Recalls Early Days Of Queen Latifah & Jay Z, Reveals A Hit He Was Not Credited For (Audio)

In the canon of Hip-Hop producers, 45 King is among the most important. From break-beat compilations to remixes, seminal 1980s 12" singles, to Grammy Award-winning hits, the New Jersey-based DJ/producer born Mark James has nearly 30 years of highly-influential digging, sampling, and arranging. Whether Queen Latifah, Gang Starr, Eminem, or... Read more

July 27, 2015 Throwback

Mr. Serv-On Says He, Master P & 1990s No Limit Soldiers Will Tour Together

Between 1996 and 2002, No Limit Records released a number of platinum, gold, and chart-topping albums. Master P's label, featuring a number of home-grown talents (TRU, Mr. Serv-On, Mia X, Skull Duggery) would sprout to include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and Young Bleed. Launched in 1991, the label would be instrumental... Read more

July 26, 2015 News, Throwback

10 Years Later, Young Jeezy Says The Cover Of Thug Motivation 101 Was All Real (Video)

Today (July 26), Young Jeezy's major label debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 turned 10 years old. The Atlanta, Georgia platinum, #1 artist celebrated with a hometown concert last night (July 25) at the Fox Theatre. There, Jeezy reunited with Boyz N Da Hood, the Bad Boy South-backed... Read more

July 26, 2015 Throwback

Remember When Jayo Felony, Method Man & DMX Made A Cross-Country Def Jam Hit Together? (Video)

While ONYX and 50 Cent are two of Jam Master Jay's star proteges—even if the latter found his success beyond JMJ Records, there is another artist he ushered in that is often overlooked. Jayo Felony became one of San Diego, California's first national Rap stars. Signed amidst the height of... Read more

July 23, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Straight Outta Cooperstown: Hip-Hop Meets Baseball in These Mashup Cards

Earlier this month, it was announced that Marvel comics would be recreating comic-book covers with inspiration from classic Hip-Hop albums. Now, in the latest mash-up of pop and Hip-Hop culture, the faces of Rap stars have found themselves in the world of classic baseball cards. Similar to the concept behind... Read more

July 23, 2015 Throwback

Take a Long Walk Down Memory Lane With Jill Scott as she Revisits Her Debut Album

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop infused Neo-Soul songstress Jill Scott celebrated the 15th anniversary of her debut album, 2000's Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. With it, she answered her own question, and the album's platinum-selling status suggested that few were left unfamiliar with her name. She... Read more

July 22, 2015 Throwback

The Story of Kid ‘n Play Is Much More Complex Than Haircuts & Kick Steps. Watch Their Unsung Episode (Video)

In the late 80s and early 90s, Kid 'n Play had an enviable string of hits in music, film and on TV, and they did it as nice guys. But, that doesn't mean they didn't have to overcome obstacles or battle with life's ups and downs. Each had to grow... Read more

July 20, 2015 Throwback

Jay Z Blessed Stretch & Bobbito’s Show With 3 Different Freestyles In 1995 (Audio)

Earlier this week, AFH shared a 1996 three-hour radio show of DJ Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito The Barber's show (thanks to DJ Eclipse, who spun then and digitized it now). Big L was among the show's guests, bringing with him Ma$e, Bloodshed, and Killa Cam'ron (as Children Of The Corn).... Read more

July 18, 2015 Throwback

Travel Back To Big L, Cam’ron & Ma$e Freestyling on Stretch & Bobbito in 1996 (Audio)

The Children Of The Corn is a group shrouded in mystery. The Harlem, New York collective included four would-be major label lyricists in Big L, Ma$e, McGruff, and Cam'ron. However, many fans of those individuals are unfamiliar with the group that also included producer Digga (Jay Z, 50 Cent, Shyheim)... Read more

July 16, 2015 Throwback

Hussein Fatal’s Range & Versatility Remembered In A Successful Career, Below The Radar (Audio)

Less than one week ago (July 10), Outlawz member Hussein Fatal died in a Gainesville, Georgia car accident. The 38 year-old born Bruce Edward Washington, Jr. had nearly 20 years invested in a Rap career at the time of his death, with nearly two dozen releases, including albums, collaborative projects... Read more

July 16, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Here’s a Look Back at the Amazing Talents of Biz Markie in 1988 (Video)

Biz Markie may be one of Hip-Hop's most underrated talents. Perhaps because he was a perennial jokester, people sometimes overlook his prodigious abilities as both an MC and a human beat box. However, with witty punchlines, far out sonics and a willingness to take on any subject matter, Biz stands... Read more

July 15, 2015 Throwback

You Can Hate Me Now: How Early Nas Critics Show the Intricacies of Hip-Hop Nostalgia

In a recent article, writer Lucas Garrison explored the underbelly of '90s Internet forums, focusing specifically on the discussions about Hip-Hop music. What he finds of particular interest are the conversations that developed around Nas and the critical diatribes related to the Nas of 1994 versus the Nas of 1997.... Read more

July 15, 2015 Throwback

Relive The First Time Main Source, Nas, Akinyele & Fatal Performed Live At The BBQ (Video)

Is there a Hip-Hop album cut more definitive than Main Source's "Live At The BBQ"? The 1991 Breaking Atoms track would be an introduction to not only Nas, not only Akinyele, but also MC-turned-producer Joe Fatal. Large Professor's bars were especially lethal on a song that has become an important... Read more

July 11, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This 1999 Cypher With 50 Cent, Consequence, Punchline & N.O.R.E.? (Video)

Here's a look back at a behind the scenes, true Hip-Hop moment between N.O.R.E., Consequence, Punchline and 50 Cent. The four MCs were gathered in 1999 and launched into an impromptu cypher over a Trackmasters instrumental. This was notably before 50 Cent's 2000 shooting and showcases his delivery without the... Read more

July 11, 2015 Throwback

Check Out This 1995 Future Flavas Set From Pete Rock & Marley Marl (Audio)

In the '90s, Hot 97 in New York City was home to the Future Flavas radio show, a Hip-Hop devoted program that was steered by KRS-One who then bequeathed the disc-jockey throne to Pete Rock and Marley Marl in January of '95.The two had previously worked the 1s & 2s... Read more

July 9, 2015 Throwback

MC Lyte’s Paper Thin Is A Thick Part Of Brooklyn Hip-Hop History (Video)

MC Lyte's 1988 debut, Lyte As A Rock is a keystone in what made the year so important. Lana Michele Moorer hit the scene like she belonged with her First Priority/Atlantic Records breakthrough, and she did. L.A.A.R. took the Audio Two production style, and built upon it with one of Rap's... Read more

July 9, 2015 Throwback

From 1988-1993, Skits Revolutionized Hip-Hop Albums. Here’s A Look At Some Of The Best (Audio)

Aye...did what's his name done get at you yesterday? That question, asked in a comedic interlude on Dr. Dre's seminal 1992 album The Chronic, will live in eternal infamy alongside the classic lyrics in between which it's sandwiched. That marriage, of Hip-Hop and comedy, was around before that and while... Read more

July 8, 2015 Throwback

Happy 40th Birthday To 50 Cent. Play His Definitive Street LP (Album Stream)

Today (July 6), 50 Cent turns 40 years old. The Queens, New York superstar born Curtis Jackson may have broken through later in his life than some peers, however as an MC, an investor, and a record executive, Fif' has blessed the last 13 years with an edge that massively shaped Hip-Hop's... Read more

July 6, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate Mark de Clive-Lowe’s Reconstructed Take On Herbie Hancock (Mix)

Mark de Clive-Lowe is a name that may not stand out to you, but he's surely in the liner notes to your music library. From Ms. Lauryn Hill to Blu, the New Zealand-born, Los Angeles, California-based composer, musician, and producer gets down. Versed in Jazz and Soul, Mark took on... Read more

July 3, 2015 Throwback

A Graphic Novel Draws On Hip-Hop’s Earliest Days For Inspiration (Old School)

Earlier this month, a documentary called Rubble Kings was released, which chronicled some of the turbulent history of the Bronx in the '70s. Plagued with virulent gang activity, street warfare, and systemic poverty, much of the Bronx was considered to be a wasteland, one that tourists (and even other New... Read more

July 2, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Black Star’s K.O.S. (Determination) (Audio)

1998's breakthrough album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star introduced the Hip-Hop masses, and eventually the mainstream, to two brilliant Brooklyn, New York creative visionaries. The Rawkus Records release followed a season of 12" singles, compilation appearances, and in the case of Mighty Mos, some high-profile features (De... Read more

July 2, 2015 Throwback

Stretch & Bobbito’s Highlight Reel Features Slick Rick, Big L & Mobb Deep (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber created a radio program that may as well have been the farm club to the Rap hall of fame. These two New York City DJs honored Hip-Hop 12" singles of the day, while welcoming would-be stars like Nas, Mobb Deep, Pharoahe... Read more

June 30, 2015 Throwback

Nas, Wu-Tang, & Beastie Boys All Sampled It, So Why Has This LP Been Forgotten? (Album Stream)

The cultural bridge between African-American art forms in the '60s and '70s and what would eventually become Hip-Hop as we know it has been the subject of countless documentaries, books, academic papers, and of course, songs. However, despite all of the devotion to preserving the history behind the culture, there... Read more

June 28, 2015 Throwback

Mass Appeal: This Gang Starr Mini-Documentary Is A Must Watch (Video)

Here's an amazing documentary detailing the history of Gang Starr. Though the film is ostensibly about the making of their hit song "Mass Appeal," from Hard to Earn, it begins with the stories of Guru and DJ Premier even before they met and chronicles the story of the duo's rise,... Read more

June 25, 2015 Throwback

19 Years Ago Today Jay-Z & Biggie Smalls Showed Why They Were Brooklyn’s Finest (Audio)

Although it was never a Reasonable Doubt single, "Brooklyn's Finest" helped make Jay Z's debut album a milestone album. Released 19 years ago today (June 25, 1996) the moment would serve as the first collaboration between Jay and his fellow George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School attendee, The... Read more

June 25, 2015 Throwback

This ’90s Hip-Hop Mix Reminds Fans Why They Were Ready to Die for H.E.R. (Mixtape)

In the mid-1990s, Hip-Hop underwent a bit of a transition. Some of the most skilled MCs on the scene (Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Grand Puba, Andre 3000, Scarface, etc.) started trading rowdy, raucous production for the laid-back cuts. Producers like Easy Mo Bee, DJ Clark Kent, Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz,... Read more

June 24, 2015 Throwback

Kid Capri Blends 52 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Important Instrumentals & Breaks (Mix)

Kid Capri's body of work speaks for itself. The New York City mainstay DJ, mixtape pioneer, and accomplished producer does a strong job digitizing his gems from the past. In 1992, the D.I.T.C. affiliate (and later Sony Records artist) released 52 Beats. This mixtape featured the Kid cutting, scratching, and... Read more

June 19, 2015 Throwback

JAY-Z’s First Record Ever Was in 1986…And It Was Not Hawaiian Sophie. Take a Listen (Audio)

1989's "Hawaiian Sophie" appearance alongside Jaz-O is often credited as Jay Z's first appearance on a record. While the video single captured a teenaged Shawn Carter, even his Wikipedia page overlooks something that crate diggers are very well aware of. While Jaz would sign an EMI Records deal in the... Read more

June 18, 2015 Throwback

The Awesome Two Are Radio Legends. Catch A ’94 Set With Jodeci, Freddie Foxxx & Slick Rick (Mix)

If you listen to KRS-One's "Outta Here," you know how influential The Awesome Two were on the Blastmasta. Since 1982, these radio mixmasters helped establish the Hip-Hop sound, and turn their 12" selections into certified Rap classics. DJ Eclipse shared a springtime 1994 mix from the duo's post at WNWK.... Read more

June 18, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Main Source’s Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball (by Rob Swift)

In honor of the upcoming Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, Ambrosia For Heads asked living turntable legend Rob Swift to do our weekly Do Remember piece. From Scratch (alongside his X-Ecutioners band-mates), to becoming a New School professor, to an ESPN post, the Queens, New York native has brought Hip-Hop and DJ'ing... Read more

June 18, 2015 Exclusive, Throwback

Imagine Classic Rap Records In A Vinyl Jukebox? It’s Happening (Video)

Regardless of whether it's a cocktail lounge or a dive-bar, jukeboxes have been a staple of nightlife for more than 80 years. Like a DJ or a curated playlist, these public vending machines are great ways to expose yourself and others to new music, while hearing exactly the music you... Read more

June 17, 2015 Throwback

Happy Birthday Tupac. Watch One of His Earliest TV Interviews (Video)

Happy birthday to Tupac, who would have been 44 years old today. To celebrate his life, here's a look back at one of his earliest TV interviews. Shortly after the release of his film Juice, Pac paid a visit to the set of BET's Video LP. He discusses his complexity... Read more

June 16, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Pumpkinhead’s Emcee (Audio)

On Tuesday (June 9) of this week, Brooklyn, New York MC Pumpkinhead passed away. The 39 year-old Brooklyn, New York native born Robert Alan Diaz left behind more than a 15-year legacy in Hip-Hop. He was an MC, a songwriter, a battle rapper, and a member of Brooklyn Academy, among... Read more

June 11, 2015 Throwback

This Large Professor Mix Celebrates The Explosiveness Of Rap’s Mad Scientist (Mix)

Tomorrow (June 9), Large Professor is releasing his fifth solo album, RE: Living Legend. The Queens, New York iconic MC/producer/DJ is more than 25 years deep in making monumental Hip-Hop albums. As a high school student, the Extra P studied under the late, great Paul C., various techniques of sampling,... Read more

June 8, 2015 Throwback