Food for Thought Archives

The 20th Anniversary of the original NBA Dream Team

Tonight's NBA Finals will feature some of the league's greatest stars. There's no doubt, however, that the greatest collection of talent ever assembled on 1 court was the original Dream Team. That team won the gold medal 20 years ago. Here's an incredible article from GQ giving the blow by... Read more

June 12, 2012 Food for Thought

Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul Rap on DJ Green Lantern’s Invasion Radio Show (Video)

Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul crush the mic on DJ Green Lantern's radio show. They go in on the beat for Nas' Daughters no less. Check out the video of their verses and an interview of them where they discuss Slaughterhouse, West Coast MCs and more below. Related: Ab-Soul - Black... Read more

June 11, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas – The Life Files Interview Pt 2 (Video)

Here's part 2 of Nas' interview with The Life Files. He talks about the current state of hip-hop on the radio, the prodigious talent of Lauryn Hill and even discusses President Obama. Check it out below. Related: Nas - The Life Files Interview Pt 1 (Video)... Read more

June 11, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas speaks on his album, the Daughters video and more (Video)

As the release of Nas' Life Is Good album approaches, he's doing more interviews. Here's a good one from The Life Files. He discusses the album, his daughters video, recent criticism of Nicki Minaj and more. Check it out below. Related: Nas - Life is Good Album Promo (Video)... Read more

June 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Pete Rock discusses Mecca and the Soul Brother 20 years after its release (Video)

Wow. It's been 20 years since Pete Rock & CL Smooth's landmark album Mecca and the Soul Brother dropped. Here's an interview of Pete Rock reminiscing over one of the best rap albums of all time. Related: Pete Rock talks about his vinyl collection (Video)... Read more

June 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

2DBZ: Bring the muthaf*cking Rawkus!

Here's a great article from 2DBZ on the rise and fall of Rawkus Records. Check out the intro to the article below, as well as a re-post of our Rawkus Records playlist below. Click here for the full article. Also, click here to see where Rawkus landed on our list... Read more

June 1, 2012 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Pete Rock and DJ Jazzy Jeff showcase and discuss their vinyl collections on Crate Diggers (Video)

Pete Rock has been in the news lately for his reaction to Lupe Fiasco rhyming over the TROY beat. Here's a video that showcases just how deep the Chocolate Boy Wonder's dedication to digging in the crates goes. It is his relentless search for the perfect beat that yielded beats... Read more

May 29, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

After more than a decade away, D’Angelo is poised to make a major comeback. GQ got the first in-depth interview with one of this generation’s greatest soul singers. Check out the article below.

click here to read the whole thing. Related: D'Angelo - Live (Mixtape) Here's the intro: "He was once hailed as the next Marvin Gaye. Then, after his ripped body threatened to overshadow his music, he vanished into addiction. So what the hell was he doing recently singing his heart out... Read more

May 29, 2012 Food for Thought

Rapper Big Pooh Interview (Video)

The folks over at 2DBZ sat down with Rapper Big Pooh. He talked extensively about working with Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock as well as about what's it's like to now be an "OG" in hip-hop. Check out the video below. Related: Rapper Big Pooh performs Nobody Like Me... Read more

May 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Pharrell Williams interview (Video)

Here's a heady interview of Pharrell by Hypetrak TV. He talks about composing music for The Oscar's, the different ways people perceive music, the essence of music, what he looks for in talent and more. Check it out below. Related: Buddy & Kendrick Lamar - Staircases (Prod. Pharrell) http://vimeo.com/42616676... Read more

May 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Slaughterhouse interview on the Tim Westwood Show (Video)

Slaughterhouse recently smashed the Tim Westwood Show with some blazing hot verses over the tracks for Stay Schemin' and I'm a Boss. Here's a video of the extended interview of Slaughterhouse by Tim Westwood that also took place that day. Check it out below. Related: Slaughterhouse Freestyle on the Tim... Read more

May 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

J. Cole interview with DJ Drama (Video)

Here's an extended interview of J. Cole by DJ Drama. He talks about the Diggy issue (there is none), his album with Kendrick Lamar, his new solo album, the pros and cons of putting out free music and more. Related: J. Cole - Grew Up Fast... Read more

May 25, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Tech N9ne & ¡Mayday! – The Noose (Video)

As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, here's a video dedicated to our troops from Tech N9ne and ¡Mayday! Check out The Noose. Related: ¡Mayday! - TNT (Remix) featuring Black Thought, Jon Connor & Jay Rock... Read more

May 25, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas interview with Complex (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Nas by Complex (they are winning today). He discusses life in NYC, how he got the name Nasty Nas, the meaning behind the title of his new album Life Is Good and more. Check it out below. Related: Cocaine 80s - Chain Glow featuring Nas... Read more

May 23, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Large Professor Breaks Down His Classic Records

Complex has a dope series where they interview legendary producers about the stories behind their classic tracks. The latest installment is with Large Professor. Check out what Extra P had to say about producing for Main Source, Nas and more here. Also, check out our playlist of tracks produced by... Read more

May 23, 2012 Food for Thought

9th Wonder Interview (Video)

Here's some food for your dome. The mighty 9th Wonder speaks on several topics including the importance of knowing hip-hop history, working with Murs on several projects, mainstream vs underground, working with Wale and Lil B and more. Check out the video below. Related: Phonte and 9th Wonder Interview (Audio)... Read more

May 22, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Here’s a cool look at a day in the life of Questlove that was produced by Hulu. Check it out below (Video)

Props: 2DBZ Related: Best of The Legendary Roots Crew (Playlist)... Read more

May 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar interview with the Bay Area’s Wild 94.9 (Video)

Here's an excellent interview of Kendrick Lamar by the Bay Area' Wild 94.9's. He talks about his name change, his thoughts on the 2Pac hologram, his pet peeves, his top 5 MCs (dead or alive), whether or not he smokes, whether or not he would do Oprah and more. Check... Read more

May 16, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Murs interviews DJ Quik (Video)

Last week, Murs released a hilarious conversation between him and Kendrick Lamar. This week, he lets loose a conversation he had with DJ Quik. They chop it up about their favorite Eazy-E songs, Murs' dreds, the literal genius of DJ Quik and more. It's a classic convo from 2 West... Read more

May 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Pusha T interview (Video)

Here's another lengthy interview. This one is of Pusha T. He speaks about a new Clipse album, taking up acting and his dream role, the role of religion in Malice's life, making the G.O.O.D. Music album and more. Check out the video below. Related: Kanye West - Mercy featuring Big... Read more

May 13, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

J. Cole interview with Bootleg Kev

Here's an extended interview of J. Cole. He discusses being left off the MTV Hottest MCs in the Game list, lamenting not selling his past mixtapes, why he's no longer on Twitter and...the joint album he's working on with Kendrick Lamar. Check it out below. Related: What if Reasonable Doubt... Read more

May 13, 2012 Food for Thought

Ab-Soul’s Control System album is in stores now. Here’s an exclusive interview where he speaks on his earliest musical influences and his journey to the world of hip-hop (Video)

Ab-Soul's new album Control System dropped today (click here to buy it and show your love for good hip-hop). As you get to know the knew music, here's a look at the man behind it. Like his name suggests, Ab-Soul is not easily defined. His diversity shows in his music... Read more

May 11, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

A candid conversation with Schoolboy Q (Video)

Here's a really good interview of Schoolboy Q. He talks about the Lakers, signing with Interscope, the circumstances under which a Black Hippy album would happen and the reasons why he quit sipping Lean. Real talk. Check out the video below. Props to Good Fella Media. Related: Schoolboy Q -... Read more

May 11, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Phife Dawg Speaks to The Come Up Show (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest. He speaks on the Beats, Rhymes & Life documentary, Nas role in spearheading the documentary, Q-Tip's personality and more. Check out the video below. Related: Beats, Rhymes & Mixes - A playlist inspired by the ATCQ documentary... Read more

May 6, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

An evening in Paris with Talib Kweli (Video)

Here's a very cool interview of Talib Kweli. It has some gems about how he prepares for and executes his shows and contains scenic footage of Paris, where the interview was conducted. Check it out below. Related: Talib Kweli presents Black Star Live (Video)... Read more

May 3, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mobb Deep’s The Infamous

Today is the 17th anniversary of the release of Mobb Deep's The Infamous album. Similar to what they did for the anniversary of Illmatic, to commemorate the date Complex has done an article called 10 Things You Didn't Know About Mobb Deep's The Infamous (like did you know Nas actually... Read more

April 25, 2012 Food for Thought

Erick Sermon Tells Classic Stories to Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg

Erick Sermon recently sat down and talked with Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds about Redman, Keith Murray, Dr. Dre, dollars, missing out on the opportunity to sign Biggie and Wu-Tang and a bunch of other topics. Check out the full video interview below. Related: Erick Sermon tells the stories behind... Read more

April 23, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Phonte and 9th Wonder interview on The Come Up Show (Audio)

Here's an interview of 9th Wonder and Phonte by The Come Up Show. 9th talks about being a professor, his legacy and more. Phonte talks about not selling out, his moral compass and more. Real talk from some real legends. Listen to the whole interview below. Related: Playlist of music... Read more

April 23, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Nas’ Illmatic

Today is the 18th anniversary of the release of Illmatic. To commemorate the day, Complex did an incredible article that lists 10 inside dope stories about the making of Illmatic. One example is that Russell Simmons passed on signing Nas to Def Jam...Click here to read all 10 Things You... Read more

April 19, 2012 Food for Thought

Previously unreleased interview of The Notorious BIG on the set of the video for The Warning (Video)

It's been a big week for hip-hop and it just got bigger. The week kicked off with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg including a mind-blowing hologram of 2Pac in their set and now here's a previously unreleased interview of The Notorious BIG (and he discusses the change from Biggie Smalls)... Read more

April 18, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar speaks with Hima of Das Racist about an assortment of random (but funny) ish (Video)

Here's a hilarious interview between Kendrick Lamar and Hima from Das Racist. They talk about everything from characters on Home Improvement to trying to honorary members of Black Hippy and a number of other bugged out topics. It definitely shows a different side to K. Dot. Check it out below.... Read more

April 13, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

RZA speaks on his career and the history of hip-hop (Video)

Here's a super dope interview of RZA. It's incredibly well shot, includes a ton of classic photos of hip-hop legends and features the RZA speaking philosophically about his life, his music history, Wu-Tang Clan, the impact of hip-hop culture and much more. This a must for Wu fans and any... Read more

April 12, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Peter Rosenberg speaks on Rick Ross and says he is positioned to become “hands down the #1 MC in the game today.”

Take a listen and let us know what you think. Previously: Peter Rosenberg interviews Nas at SXSW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckvqejMlkik... Read more

April 4, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought

Here’s an in-depth interview of Nas that was done by Peter Rosenberg at SXSW. Nas talks about his favorite MCs, speaking with Michael Jackson, working with Damien Marley and more (Video)

Peter Rosenberg has a dope series called Noisemakers where he sits down with hip-hop legends and has an in-depth conversation with them about their entire career. He's done this with Diddy, ?uestlove, Bun B and more. His latest convo was with Nas and they spoke about everything from working with... Read more

March 29, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

RapFix Live ft Nas, Bun B, Killer Mike and Prodigy (Live Stream)

Nas will be on RapFix Live today to chop it up with Sway about his upcoming album, Life Is Good. Bun B is currently on and Killer Mike and Prodigy will join later. All 4 MCs will also discuss the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Click below to watch the live stream... Read more

March 28, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Joey Bada$$ & The Pro-Era speak with VICE (Video)

Here's a tight piece that VICE did on Joey Bada$$ and his Pro-Era crew. If you're not familiar with Joey Bada$$ yet this is a great look at an MC who has the chops to be in the game for several years. Once you've seen the video, check out Joey's... Read more

March 28, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar Speaks With Carson Daly + A Day in the Life of Schoolboy Q (Video)

Here are a couple of dope videos featuring 2 of the Black Hippy crew. First is an engaging conversation between Kendrick Lamar and Carson Daly and the other piece is a short film chronicling a day in the life of Schoolboy Q when he recently performed in NYC. Check out... Read more

March 27, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

We sat down with Big K.R.I.T. and talked about what it takes to succeed not only in music but in life. Ultimately, it’s about GRIT. See what K.R.I.T. had to say, in his words (Video).

Think Big K.R.I.T. has been rapping for just a few years? Think again. He's been putting in work since 1999...and it ain't been easy. Previously: Big K.R.I.T. talks about his earliest musical influences (Video) Props: Cinematic Music Group... Read more

March 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Reflections on Trayvon Martin (Playlist) and a petition to prosecute his killer.

I've been searching for a song to capture my feelings around the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin and lack of prosecution of his killer but I haven't found one. It's probably because I have a multitude of emotions ranging from rage to sorrow to reflection. Here are some songs that... Read more

March 24, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists

Nardwaur vs. Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Here's another Nardwaur interview from SXSW and this one features Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick speaks on how he met Dr. Dre, Compton's Most Wanted, King Tee, WC and the Maad Circle and several other West Coast legends. Check it out below. Previously: Nardwaur vs. Action Bronson + Nardwaur vs. A$AP Rocky... Read more

March 23, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Slaughterhouse interview with RawHustle TV (Video)

It's been a strong week of interviews, with clips dropping from 9th Wonder, Pharoahe Monch, Big K.R.I.T., Nas and more. Now it's Slaughterhouse's turn. Check out this video where they discuss how the group formed, working with Eminem, their recording process, the making of Hammer Dance (straight jokes) and more... Read more

March 22, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Here’s an incredibly dope interview of the legendary Pharoahe Monch where he discusses his history, his first big paycheck, the type of student he was in school, what’s was in his pockets at the time, what he’s been listening too and much, much more. Hot! Check it out. (Video)

MASSIVE PROPS: Montreality. Previously: Pharoahe Monch - Still Standing ft Jill Scott (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9AJ_a6qNto... Read more

March 21, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nardwaur Vs. A$AP Rocky and Action Bronson (Video)

Nardwaur caught up with several MCs at SXSW, including one that we got to witness in person (but more on that later). Here are his interviews with A$AP Rocky and Action Bronson. If you know Nardwaur, you know what to expect. If not, get ready for some of the most... Read more

March 21, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Here’s a Big K.R.I.T. double feature. Check out our interview of him talking about his earliest hip-hop influences and his brand new single I Got This (Video)

We had the good fortune to sit down with Big K.R.I.T. and talk to him about his earliest music experiences and influences. Not surprisingly, his inspirations were incredibly diverse, ranging from Twista to Scarface to Tupac and more. He also shared his earliest experiences rapping, which started when he was... Read more

March 21, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar speaks about his new album, working with Dr. Dre and more (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Kendrick Lamar by Fuse. They talked with him at SXSW about his new album, working with Dr. Dre and The Game, touring with Drake and signing with Interscope. Check it out below. Previously: Kendrick Lamar talks about his earliest musical influences and his connection with... Read more

March 18, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Erick Sermon tells the stories behind many of his classic tracks to Complex

Here's another dope profile by Complex where they have a legendary producer break down the story behind his tracks. They've done DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Organized Noize and others. This time, it's Erick Sermon's term. Check out what the Green Eyed Bandit has to say about his classic records. Below... Read more

March 16, 2012 Food for Thought, Playlists

Jay-Z kicked off the music portion of SXSW in a big way this year. He performed for nearly 90 minutes and went deep in his catalog. If you missed the stream, you can catch the whole thing below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjRMrU5atyY... Read more

March 13, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Here’s an interview of Chuuwee one of the best up and coming MCs where he talks about his earliest musical influences (Video)

Chuuwee hails from Sacramento and is one of the dopest up and coming MCs. We caught up with him to talk about his earliest musical influences. He talked about folks ranging from Kurtis Blow to The Neptunes, showing that he is a student of the game (one of the reasons... Read more

March 12, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

The one and only Ice Cube stopped by the Sway in the Morning show and chopped it up with Sway about a new Friday movie with Chris Tucker, a film about NWA, why Dr. Dre’s Detox album hasn’t dropped yet, his classic Amerikkka’s Most Wanted album and much more. Check out the interview below. Yeah Yay!!

March 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Big KRIT speaks on the release of his 4eva N A Day Mixtape and the concept behind it (Video)

We caught up with Big KRIT on the release day of his incredible new mixtape 4eva N a Day. He broke down the concept behind the album and its cover, how the project came about and what it felt like to release it. He also talked about the first single,... Read more

March 6, 2012 Food for Thought, Video