Throwback Archives

Never Before Released Footage From Friday Rehearsals Surfaces Featuring Ice Cube & Chris Tucker (Video)

Last week, was the 20th anniversary of the release of the film Friday. Starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, the movie has become a cult classic both because of the universal themes it addressed and the authentic feeling of the hilarious dialogue. However, like most things in life, greatness often... Read more

April 25, 2015 Throwback

Mobb Deep’s Infamous 20 Years Later is Still 1 of Hip-Hop’s Grittiest Classics (Food For Thought)

In the late 1980s, artists like Just-Ice, ScHoolly D, the Geto Boys, N.W.A., Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, and Public Enemy started testing the power of their words, profane and dense alike. The human condition was explored, and Hip-Hop planted a flag in the ground that stated—to quote Ice... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Andre 3000…Who You Got?

We have reached the final match up in Round 4 of the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim received a bye for the round), things came down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 24, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: De La Soul & Camp Lo’s So Good (Audio)

Since Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Tommy Boy Records has been in on the ground floor of helping out Heads "looking for the perfect beat." Tom Silverman's independent label may have started with Dance music roots, but the label proved to be one of the truly trustworthy imprints, supplying... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): KRS-One vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

Nas & AZ’s Illmatic Collabo Was Supposed to Be Over Juicy. Hear What Could Have Been (Audio)

Though the sample has now been used countless times, Heads will forever associate the deep bass line and knock from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" with The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" flip on his debut album, Ready to Die. However, a lesser known fact is that the song was originally supposed to be... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

Here’s an Amazing New Film About the Evolution of Hip-Hop Radio in the 80s (Video)

Red Bull Music has put together an amazing new documentary about the evolution of Hip-Hop radio in the 80s. Titled Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio 1980 - 1988, the short film serves as an in-depth look at some of the key personalities responsible for bringing... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

Here’s a Look at the Real-Life Settings for Some of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Album Covers (Photo)

Part of the experience of enjoying an album, Hip-Hop or otherwise, is taking in the cover art that comes with the music. Technology and the Internet have made it so that fewer people actually pay attention to the cover art when they download an album, but recently the internet gave... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

This Throwback Hip-Hop VIDEO Mix Will Blow Your Mind (Video)

Here's an absolutely devastating throwback Hip-Hop video mix from UK DJ E Double D. The mix and song selection, from the late 80s and early 90s, would be enough but, the added layer of overlaying visuals takes it to a completely different level. E Double pulls out clips featuring Eric... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

Ever Hear Rick Ross’ First Appearance On Wax, Alongside Erick Sermon? (Audio)

A lot went into Rick Ross' career in the lead-up to 2006 platinum single, "Hustlin'." Many Heads know that the Miami, Florida-based MC was one of the strong developing acts at Slip-N-Slide Records (a system responsible for Plies, Pitbull, plus Trina and Trick Daddy). Other Heads know that Ross had... Read more

April 19, 2015 Throwback

5 Years Ago Today We Lost Keith “Guru” Elam & Nothing Was The Same

April 19, 2010 was one of the most difficult days for Hip-Hop Heads. That day, after six weeks in a coma (announced February 28), Keith "Guru" Elam was confirmed dead in a Manhattan hospital. The Gang Starr founder went into cardiac arrest, following the coma in the midst of a... Read more

April 19, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Ever See This Cypher With Snoop, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg and Dr. Dre? (Video)

Ain't nuthin' like a gangsta party...Here's a look back at an amazing studio moment from The Chronic era. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt and Daz conduct a crazy off the top cypher, with Dr. Dre holding down the melody on a piano and Nate Dogg in the background with the vocals.... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate 25 Years of A Tribe Called Quest With This Incredible Mix (Audio)

This has been a landmark year for A Tribe Called Quest. After celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Low End Theory album being certified platinum in February, yesterday (4/17) marked 25 years since the debut of their groundbreaking album, People’s Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm. To celebrate the... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

Was 1980s New York The Greatest Age Of Hip-Hop On Radio? (Video)

In the upcoming (April 22) Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio (1980 – 1988), Red Bull Music Academy takes us way, way back to the early days to witness a crazy time in New York City when things were really happening and a new culture was... Read more

April 17, 2015 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Tupac vs. Scarface…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 17, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Fu-Schnickens’ Breakdown (Video)

The music industry is filled with plenty of curiosities. One lesser profiled head-scratcher is the fact that the Fu-Schnickens released only two albums, and yet the East Flatbush, Brooklyn trio had a Greatest Hits just four years into a short-lived career. Even more curious, the crew disbanded just after their... Read more

April 16, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): LL Cool J vs. Redman…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 15, 2015 Throwback

Diamond D Reveals He Was With Tupac the Night He Shot Two Cops; Recaps His Entire Career

The Combat Jack Show, fresh off of a groundbreaking interview with DJ Kool Herc, stays in the Bronx, New York mind-state, to interview Diamond D. Traditionally, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder, onetime pupil to DJ Jazzy Jay, and mentor to Fat Joe is not that chatty. However, just like... Read more

April 14, 2015 Throwback

Ever Hear This Rare Mos Def & Talib Kweli Freestyle? (Audio)

One of the most disappointing moments in Hip-Hop relates not to something that happened, but rather something that didn't. After releasing the nearly universally acclaimed album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) and Talib never united again for a follow up. At the... Read more

April 14, 2015 Throwback

DJ Kool Herc OPENS UP & His Top 5 MCs & DJs Will ASTONISH You (Audio)

DJ Kool Herc interviews, especially with much depth and room for conversation are a scarcity. It is astounding how Hip-Hop music's credited founder lives in the Bronx, New York today, with relatively low profile. The Kingston, Jamaica native known as Clive Campbell is not a public figure, despite his groundbreaking... Read more

April 13, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Mos Def Freestyle From 1992? The Star Power is Already Clear (Video)

Long before his acclaimed collaboration with Talib Kweli, Mos Def was a star. Here's a look back at the then 19-year old MC (now known as Yasiin Bey), stepping to the mic and wrecking shop on Toronto's Power Move Radio show. The clip is an excerpt from the 1994 documentary... Read more

April 11, 2015 Throwback

Here’s Vintage Footage of Lauryn Hill Showing and Proving Her Freestyle Vocab (Video)

Before becoming mega-platinum stars with multiple Grammy Awards, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef used to actively go from school to school searching for worthy MCs to battle. One look at this vintage clip of Lauryn effortlessly flowing off the top over Wyclef plucking the acoustic guitar shows exactly why most MCs... Read more

April 9, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: DJ QBert’s Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze Musik (Mixtape)

Although he does not get nearly enough credit in mainstream Hip-Hop circles, DJ QBert is one of the proven masters within the culture. The San Francisco, California DJ/turntablist/producer born Richard Quitevis has advanced the possibility of the turntable, mixer, and scratch language beyond comprehension. The leader of the Invisibl Skratch... Read more

April 9, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Tupac vs. Ice Cube…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 6, 2015 Throwback

Ever Hear The 5 Deadly Venoms Of Brooklyn? It’s Widely Considered To Be Rap’s Greatest Tape (Mixtape)

1997 was an interesting year for Hip-Hop, especially as far as New York City was concerned. Tragically, The Notorious B.I.G. was murdered just months into the new year, throwing a dark cloud and massive vacancy in the hearts, souls, and earphones of many. Additionally, the part of Biggie's music that... Read more

April 5, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Slick Rick vs. Rakim…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 3, 2015 Throwback

Watch Big Daddy Kane Tear Down the Stage in This Rare Concert Footage from 1999 (Video)

If you've ever been fortunate enough to witness a Big Daddy Kane show, live and direct, you know no one goes harder. In addition to top choice lyricism, Kane provides all-out choreography, complete with jumps, kick-stepping and even splits. Legendary DJ, and former Fat Beats staple, DJ Eclipse attended a... Read more

April 2, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Scritti Politti, Mos Def & Lee Majors – Tinseltown To Boogie Down Remix (Audio)

Heads may or may not be up on Scritti Politti. However, the band from Leeds, England has been working for almost as long as Hip-Hop has been around. Since 1977, singer Green Gartside has carried the outfit (with revolving fellow band members) through the decades, and dabbles with Synth Pop,... Read more

April 2, 2015 Throwback

Prince Paul Clarifies an MF DOOM Production Rumor, Revisits Prince Among Thieves (Audio)

Prince Paul is one of the more legendary producers of the last 30 years. Throughout that time, the Long Island, New York native has been involved with an extensive range of music, into Comedy and Spoken Word. His approaches have changed and pioneered the modern Rap sound, with the use... Read more

April 1, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Redman vs. Phife Dawg…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

April 1, 2015 Throwback

Alright, Stop What You’re Doing…The Muppets Do the Humpty Dance (Video)

Digital Underground have proudly boasted "No Nose Job" in their funky Hip-Hop run since the late 1980s. If there's somebody who can say the same, it's Gonzo from The Muppets franchise. Kermit The Frog's slippery sidekick has a few things in common with the D.U. For starters, both are all... Read more

March 31, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Early 90s 8-Minute Wu-Tang Clan Cypher? You Should…(Video)

When rhymes are razor sharp, there's no need for a track, a beat or even a hand clap. Wu-Tang Clan make that abundantly clear in this eight minute, a cappella cypher from their days in the early 90s. Video Fusion caught up with The Clan in what looks to be... Read more

March 28, 2015 Throwback

Rediscover Madlib’s Yesterdays’ New Quintet Thanks To Stones Throw (Audio)

Madlib. Quasimoto. The Loop Digga. The man born Otis Jackson, Jr. has many names, identities, and personas. Back in the early 2000s, one of Madlib quietly emerged with one of his most illusive groups, Yesterday's New Quintet. A consummate sampler, Madlib began experimenting with a Fender Rhodes keyboard. As Stones... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: DJ Yella & Kokane – 4 Tha E (Eazy-E Tribute) (Video)

Today (March 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Eric "Eazy-E" Wright. The founder of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records left a crater on the face of modern music as we know it. The Compton, California native not only made the SoCal city a household name 25 years before... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): LL Cool J vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Is Off To The Library Of Congress

Every year, the Library Of Congress Archives deems select works of art worthy of immortal preservation. Musically, these elite few are the albums, songs, scores, and compositions worthy of timeless consideration, analysis, and curation. Just 17 years old, Lauryn Hill's solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill now carries this... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big Daddy Kane vs. Kool G Rap…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate Above The Law’s 25-Year Anniversary With This Killer Mixtape (Audio)

It's been 25 years since Above The Law, the group comprised of Cold187um, Laylaw, the late KMG, Go Mack and DJ Total K-Oss, released their debut album, Livin' Like Hustlers, on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. This Thursday (March 26) will also mark 20 years since Eazy-E's death. In honor of these... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 23, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

The Cold Crush Brothers Defined MC’ing As We Know It. Hear Them Rock A 1982 Set (Audio)

The Cold Crush Brothers (a/k/a The Cold Crush IV) are an iconic Hip-Hop group. In the era leading up to first 12" singles, and later, full-length albums, founder DJ Tony Tone, Almighty Kay Gee, Dot-A-Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Supreme Easy A.D., Whipper Whip, DJ Charlie Chase, and other members in and... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See Eminem’s Lyrical Explosion on This Classic Biggie Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at a young Eminem going absolutely berserk on the classic "Kick in the Door" beat that DJ Premier produced for The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die. Although it's unclear when the footage was recorded it looks to be from the early 2000s. Marshall appears... Read more

March 21, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Black Eyed Peas Joints & Jam (Video)

Few groups in Hip-Hop can reinvent themselves, twice. The Black Eyed Peas accomplished this, and on a major stage to boot. 1998 would prove to be a pivotal year for will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo. Six years after Will 1X and apl had signed with Eazy-E and Ruthless Records, the Atban... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Bounce To This Comprehensive Cash Money Records Mix, Featuring Lots Of Early Mannie Fresh Tracks (Mix)

Cash Money Records goes back a lot farther than even well-versed Hip-Hop Heads may realize. Names like Kilo G, U.N.L.V., (the late) Magnolia Shorty, and Ms. Tee span back to the early 1990s on the label started by Bryan "Birdman" Williams, and brother Ronald "Slim." Prior to the storied Universal... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Prince Paul On Which Grammy Album He Got No Credit For, Magic Of Gravediggaz (Audio)

In Hip-Hop production, Prince Paul may be one of the quiet giants. Much like some of the music he's provided for himself and others, Paul Huston is whimsical, at times silly, and yet incredibly soulful. In a sentence filled with laughter and maybe some jokes of his own, the Long... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Dr. Dre vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, 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... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

The Rich History of Latino Contributions to Hip-Hop Are Detailed in a New Audio Documentary (Video)

For some, the knowledge of Latinos' impact on Hip-Hop does not go much deeper than the catalogs of Fat Joe and Big Pun. However, the contribution made by Latinos to the culture is extensive and embedded in the foundation of Hip-Hop. NPR's Latino USA has put together a two-part audio... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill Album Certified Diamond By The RIAA, A 1980s Rap First!

Nearly 30 years old, the Beastie Boys' 1986 debut album, Licensed To Ill has sold 10 million copies. Officially certified diamond status, the Def Jam Records release (the only the Beasties recorded for Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin's then-label)—this is the first for the 30-plus year-old label. Jay Z, DMX,... Read more

March 16, 2015 News, Throwback

Ultramagnetic MC’s Make A Colorful Vid To Ego Trippin’ Almost 30 Years Later (Video)

The Ultramagnetic MC's debut album, 1988's Critical Beatdown may be the Bronx, New York group's most celebrated work. However, the Next Plateau Records release lacked the emerging video medium enjoyed by many other top Hip-Hop acts of the time. MC Ultra would eventually travel through several other labels in their... Read more

March 16, 2015 Throwback, Video