Throwback Archives

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

Nate Dogg Left A Giant Vacancy In Music. J. Period’s Tribute Mix Says It All… (Audio)

Four years ago today (March 15, 2011), Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale died, tragically, after complications from a stroke. Since his earliest days, alongside Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate Dogg was an anomaly. A Long Beach, California native, Nate fused Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Soul seamlessly throughout a career that lasted... Read more

March 15, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Classic Redman & Keith Murray Freestyle From the Mid-90s? (Video)

Back in the mid-90s, few crews were more formidable than Def Squad. The collective featured the fierce MC skills of Erick Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray and Sermon's signature thumping beats. After releasing solo albums in Murray's The Most Beautifullest Thing in the World, Sermon's Double or Nothing and Red's... Read more

March 14, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Big Pun…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 13, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: When Charles Hamilton Passed The Mic To An Unknown Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Miss Lauryn Hill once eloquently rhymed, "Seasons change, mad things re-arrange." In life, love, and Hip-Hop, is this not a rugged truism? As the world shifts, there are some interesting cycles. This week in the culture, Kendrick Lamar took center-stage, giving Heads a name for his sophomore major label album,... Read more

March 12, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): KRS-One vs. Chuck D…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 11, 2015 Throwback

Black Moon Had a Lot on Their Mind In This 1999 Future Flavas Freestyle (Audio)

Six years after Enta Da Stage, Black Moon made a powerful return in 1999. War Zone would be a Top 40 debut for the Brooklyn, New York trio, and the last of the three studio B.M. albums produced entirely by DJ Evil Dee and Da Beatminerz. With all the hype... Read more

March 11, 2015 Throwback

MF DOOM Heads Rejoice…KMD’s 2nd Album Reissues as a Children’s Pop-Up Book (News)

There are multiple turning points in MF DOOM's illustrious career. Still a major label artist, 1993 saw DOOM (then known as Zev Love X), Subroc, and Onyx The Birthstone Kid hard at work on their Mr. Hood follow-up, Black Bastards. Never released as intended by Elektra Records, the LP is... Read more

March 10, 2015 Throwback

Keep The International Women’s Day Celebrations Going With A Stellar Female MC Tape (Mix)

Yesterday (March 8) marked International Women's Day. Like all cultural movements, Hip-Hop has depended upon women for survival since its inception. In 2015, there are a host of female superstars, moguls, and elite professionals at the top of culture and Rap industry. However, along the way over the last 35-plus... Read more

March 9, 2015 Throwback

Lord Finesse Digs In His Crates & Throws Down Rare Grooves (Mix)

This week (March 10), Lord Finesse is releasing The SP1200 Project: A Re-Awakening on Slice Of Splice Records. Dubspot knows how to honor the Underboss. With the site's in-depth audio interview, the publication commissioned the Bronx, New York legendary producer/DJ (and MC) to get behind the wheels and spin some... Read more

March 8, 2015 Throwback

Remember When Jay-Z and DMX Battled and Got Shown Up by Their Security Guard? (Video)

Here's a look back at one of the best moments of one of Hip-Hop's finest documentaries, Backstage. The scene was set for two of the all-time greats, DMX and Jay-Z, to go head to head in a battle. Each kicked icy cold verses...only to both be shown up by their... Read more

March 7, 2015 Throwback

Flashback To Hot 97’s Very First Episode of Juan Epstein With Rosenberg & Cipha Sounds (Audio)

Due to the inclement, snowy weather in New York, Peter Rosenberg had to reschedule an episode of Juan Epstein that they had originally planned for, but fear not. Rosenberg decided to dig into his vault and reintroduce to the listening world, the first ever recorded podcast of Juan Epstein with... Read more

March 5, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: The Fugees’ Vocab (Hip-Hop Remix) (Video)

Plenty of legendary Hip-Hop groups got extra large off of their sophomore album, not the debut. Based solely on beginnings, Mobb Deep, Naughty By Nature, and The Roots all would not be living legend outfits. The Fugees, one of the highest-selling, most revered acts of the last 20 years of... Read more

March 5, 2015 Throwback

Is Doug E. Fresh The World’s Greatest Entertainer? Check The Tapes, Featuring Slick Rick (Audio)

Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew are a legendary Hip-Hop crew. Through the mid-1980s, the beat-boxing MC and his team included names like Chill Will and MC Ricky D. Somewhere in 1986, Rick would step solo before Doug's Oh, My God! album. In those early days though, the... Read more

March 4, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Erick Sermon vs. Trugoy…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 4, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 2, 2015 Throwback

A Fan Gets On Stage To Try & Battle A Geto Boy? Willie D’s Not Havin’ It! (Video)

Back in year 2000, the Geto Boys were on one of their many hiatuses. However, the famous lineup of Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were all busy pursuing their own solo interests. 'Face was hard at work on Last Of A Dying Breed, his final Rap-A-Lot Records LP before... Read more

March 1, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Big Daddy Kane Freestyle with Biz Markie Beatboxing? (Video)

The history between Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie runs deep. As Cold Chillin' Records label-mates, the two were featured on some classic collaborations in the late 80s and early 90s, including "Just Rhymin' with Biz" and "Erase Racism." They also did countless shows together during this period and a... Read more

February 28, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Rhymefest’s This Is How We Chill (Audio)

Early this week, Rhymefest joined Eminem and Common (simultaneously) at becoming one of three Hip-Hop artists to have won a Grammy Award and an Oscar Award. The Chicago, Illinois MC and former J Records sensation co-wrote "Glory," joining John Legend and Comm' in the Academy Award receipt. In both cases,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Throwback

A Rakim Quick Mix Is Always Welcome…Especially By The Master DJ Revolution (Mix)

DJ Revolution is not a DJ who constantly feeds Heads with artist-driven mixes. Instead, much like his personality, the Wake Up Show alum/Malcolm and Martin-backer picks his spots. The West Coast DJ took a long look at Rakim's impact on Hip-Hop throughout the ages, and made a mix on the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Throwback

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Jungle Brothers’ Afrika Baby Bam Says Because I Got It Like That Was Written For…Prince (Video)

One of the Jungle Brothers' breakthrough records was 1988's "Because I Got It Like That." The 1988 Idlers/Warlock Records single would be a keystone in the Native Tongues movement, predating De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest's formal arrival in the music marketplace. With that said, the Straight Out... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

25 Years Ago Today, Bell Biv DeVoe Made A Poisonous, Everlasting Hit (Video)

Twenty five years ago today (February 24, 1990), New Jack Swing's wrecking ball made one of its biggest smashes with the release of Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison." The song served as an introduction to the New Edition spin-off group, and the first look from the would-be quadruple platinum self-titled MCA... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Grandmaster Melle Mel vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 24, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): J. Dilla vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 23, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Freestyle with Black Thought, Phife & Consequence From 1997 (Video)

Here's a look back at a cipher between Black Thought, Phife Dawg and Consequence. The three MCs flowed off the top (for the most part) over a vicious beatbox, courtesy of Rahzel, as Questlove, Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad looked on. Based on Consequence's verse, the moment took place in... Read more

February 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher Between Tupac, Grand Puba and Treach? (Video)

Back in 1992, before the East Coast/West Coast beef was in full effect, Treach, Tupac and Grand Puba found themselves together backstage and decided to have an impromptu cipher. The moment was caught on tape and has made the rounds over the years, but it's still amazing to see the... Read more

February 21, 2015 Throwback

DJ Quik’s Safe + Sound Still Has Groundbreaking Funk 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Beginning his musical career on the mixtape circuit in Compton, California, DJ Quik has gone on to become the most expansive signee to Profile Records. In the 25 years since, he has spent time as an “R&B pretty boy,” the creator of a Top 10 album, an independent distributor, and... Read more

February 21, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Here’s the Inside Story of the Making of LL Cool J’s Classic Rock the Bells (Video)

In Ambrosia For Heads' ongoing GOAT ballot series to determine Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All Time MC, LL Cool J is facing off with Run (of Run-DMC) in Round 2. In this search to let fans decide the real winner, it is actually 30 years removed from a rivalry between the... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s The Creator (Video)

In the last week, Android released a new campaign, "Handshake." Notably, phones were not (at all) featured in the one-minute television ads, but rather a series of celebrations from athletes, friends, ballet dancers, families, thespians, and so forth. Premiering during Sunday night's (February 15) NBA All-Star game/ "SNL 40," these... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

The Very First Time Jay Z Performed On TV, They Didn’t Even Say His Name (Video)

Before 1990, Jay Z was not on too many radars. The guest on The Jaz' "Hawaiian Sophie" was in the place that a lot of hopeful artists can relate to. He had a moment in the sun (of a whimsical EMI Records single of his then-rhyme mentor), and was trying... Read more

February 18, 2015 Throwback

Rare Juggaknots Demo Recordings To Release, Showing The Crew’s Magic (Audio)

If you're not up on The Juggaknots, you need to be. Back in Bobbito's Fondle 'Em Records days, the crew morphed into Underground Hip-Hop luminaries, alongside MF DOOM, The MHz (RJ2, Camu Tao, Copywrite, Tage Proto, Jakki Da Mottamouth), Kool Keith, and Cage. Originally signed to Elektra/EastWest Records, New York... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Watch De La Soul Play A Dutch Game Show In Their Earliest Days (Video)

Twenty six years ago, De La Soul was bringin' brand new funk. The Long Island, New York collective had just released 3 Feet High And Rising on Tommy Boy Records, which was a Top 25 debut on its March 3 release. Posdnuos (or Posdnous), Trugoy, and Maseo were still getting... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Big L with This Lord Sear Tribute Mix (Audio)

Big L Rest in Peace...Sixteen years ago today (February 15, 1999), the world lost a true lyricist in Lamont "Big L" Coleman. The Harlem, New York native, with just a lone album under his belt, was in the process of what many Heads believe, was a push to the top,... Read more

February 15, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Rakim vs. Kool Moe Dee…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 13, 2015 Throwback

Here’s an Unbelievable Blend of Rakim’s In the Ghetto & Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight (Video)

Here's a mind-bending blend of Eric B. & Rakim's "In the Ghetto" with Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." The mix, which was put together by DJ not-I back in 2012, seamlessly combines both the audio and the video from the two classics. The cinematic tone and feel of Eric... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Zion I & Planet Asia’s Critical (Audio)

February brought some saddening news to many Heads. Zion I, the veteran duo of Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and partner Amp Live are parting ways. The split is amicable, and seems more related to creative directions and geography than anything. However, the Oakland, California group stems out of the 1990s,... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

J Dilla, Common & James Poyser Caught On Questlove’s Camera, Working In The Studio (Video)

One of the definitive albums of J Dilla's career was not his own, but rather, Common's Like Water For Chocolate. Comm's first LP out of the No I.D. and Dug Infinite pocket welcomed Jay Dee, Questlove, D'Angelo, James Poyser and the Soulquarians to the mix, along with DJ Premier and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Lord Finesse Freaks The SP-1200 & Offers 5-Minutes Of Delightful Instrumental Snippets (Audio)

Lord Finesse is a giant behind the boards. The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy knew it. Dr. Dre knows it. From 2001 to Ready To Die to Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous to Word...Life, the Bronx, New York legend has production credits on classic albums, not to mention his own three acclaimed releases. The... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Method Man Is In The Zone With The Ill Cadence In This 1995 Freestyle Relic (Audio)

Back in 1995, Method Man was having a banner year. His solo debut, Tical, grabbed a Top 3 debut, topping the Rap/R&B charts. The late 1994 Def Jam release made the Staten Island MC a premier grab into the following year, making guest appearances on single with Shaquille O'Neal, as... Read more

February 9, 2015 Throwback

DJ Mister Cee Mix Will Rocks a Free-Form Mix for True Music Lovers (Audio)

No longer at his afternoon post at HOT 97, DJ Mister Cee is in transition. The iconic DJ for Big Daddy Kane, mentor to The Notorious B.I.G., and mainstay at tri-state radio reportedly left the signal to maintain his beliefs of what should be played, when, and not conforming to... Read more

February 8, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate J. Dilla’s Birthday with a Look Back at an Extended Interview of Him (Video)

Happy birthday to J. Dilla, who would have turned 41 years old today. As the world continues to be blessed with a seemingly bottomless treasure trove of Dilla's beats, posthumously, looks back at the the man, himself, are much more rare. So, to celebrate the life of one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

February 7, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate Dilla Weekend From Wherever, With A One-Hour Instrumental Mix (Audio)

February 7 is J Dilla's birthday. The Slum Village co-founder and iconic producer would have been 41 years old today, and Heads are still celebrating his life, his art, and his impact. With Dilla Weekend going down in Miami, and other events in Los Angeles and elsewhere, you can join... Read more

February 7, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ol’ Dirty Bastard vs. Redman…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 6, 2015 Throwback

A Handwritten Letter from Tupac Confirms He Had Plans to Unify the Coasts.

A handwritten letter from Tupac has been unearthed that confirms he was seeking to do an album which would unify the coasts. In the letter, Tupac tells a friend he is working on an album titled One Nation, which would include Greg Nice, Buckshot, Smiff-N-Wessun, Scarface, E-40 and...OutKast. While the... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Phife Dawg vs. Posdnuos…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

Lord Finesse Went Up To Fat Beats In 1996 & Showed Why He’s One Of The Nicest (Video)

Nineteen years ago this month, Lord Finesse released his latest studio album. The Awakening, on the recently-relaunched Penalty Records, included scorching beats, almost all of which were created by the "funky technician" himself. However, the rhymes may have shined the hardest, with Finesse just in full Rap bravado mode, and... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Cannibal Ox’s Painkillers (Video)

This month, after 14 years, a reunited Cannibal Ox announced a sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin. The announcement after years of refuting the prospects of a follow-up to 2001's The Cold Vein debut. As time evolved, Vast Aire and Vordul Mega pursued solo careers, still making songs on each... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

One Producer Took AZ’s Whole A.W.O.L. Album & Gave It A Facelift (Album Stream)

Ten years ago, AZ Tha Visualiza left the major label system (after a decade in) and found an independent stride. After success under Kedar Massenburg's Motown Records with "Problems," The Firm lyricist was a blue-chip acquisition for eOne Entertainment. There, AZ made an album in A.W.O.L. seemingly apathetic towards radio support.... Read more

February 4, 2015 Throwback