Throwback Archives

Hear A Rare Masta Ace Track From 1987 (Audio)

For more than 25 years, Masta Ace has been a "Music Man." Back in 1988, Brownsville, Brooklyn's master storyteller appeared on the archetypal posse cut, Marley Marl's "The Symphony," alongside his Juice Crew cohorts. However, the would-be star of Masta Ace Inc. and The EMC was cutting records in Marley's... Read more

October 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Young Masters At Work: Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody Rare 1986 Marley Marl Remix (Audio)

Although it was not released until July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full was made extensively throughout 1986 and early 1987. While production credits went to the group, Heads know that Marley Marl—who used his home for many sessions, was a producer on many of... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Need Some OutKast & Goodie Mob in Your Life? Here’s an Awesome Mix (Audio)

Here's a dope mix of Dungeon Family goodness from DJ Jedi 1200. The set hones in on music from OutKast and Goodie Mob, with a focus on some of the more downtempo and soulful cuts from each. Press play and let it ride. Outkast/Goodie Mob Mix by Jedi1200 on Mixcloud... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Raekwon vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

October 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Do Remember: A Great Day In Harlem (Hip-Hop Version, 1998)

This week, the esteemed veteran music and culture journalist Michael A. Gonzalez penned a piece for Red Bull Music Academy about September 29, 1998. The day, deemed by XXL magazine "The Greatest Day In Hip-Hop History," was built around a tribute to Art Kane's 1958 photograph, "A Great Day In... Read more

October 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Ice-T vs. Grand Master Melle Mel…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Cut Chemist Dusts Off Afrika Bambaataa’s Rarest ’70s & ’80s Personal Records (Audio)

With lots of recent attention devoted to Afrika Bambaataa's records (stored at Cornell University's archives), Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, and the film, Scratch) and DJ Shadow are currently taking these exact records on the road, creating shows with natural elements that helped make Hip-Hop. If you aren't able to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: CL Smooth vs. Posdnuos…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: MC Eiht Vs. Scarface…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Phonte vs. Malice…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Hear The Rap Attack: Mr. Magic & Marley Marl That Inspired Biggie Smalls (Audio)

Quietly, as Marley Marl became one of Hip-Hop's most pivotal producers and Juice Crew creator, he was doubling as a master of transmitting sounds over tri-state radio. Marl and Mr. Magic were at the control switches at WBLS in New York City. Their "Rap Attack" Show (launched by Mr. Magic... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Lauryn Hill vs. AZ…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Speak on Why Slick Rick is One of a Kind (Video)

From his flawless storytelling to his impeccable style, Slick Rick is truly one of a kind. In the final part of their Back & Forth conversation for Noisey, Def Jam co-founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons speak on the many attributes that make Rick the Ruler so unique. Check out... Read more

September 26, 2014 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Talib Kweli vs. Lloyd Banks…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

September 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Thirty Years Later, Miami Vice Remains One of TV’s Most Influential Shows (Food For Thought)

For 111 episodes, "Miami Vice" epitomized the 1980s. Thirty years ago this weekend, September 28, 1984, Sonny Crockett (played by Don Johnson) and Rico Tubbs (played by Philip Michael Thomas) charged through our livingrooms in a Ferrari Daytona Spyder, with guns blazing, and pastels poppin'. After its five-year run on... Read more

September 26, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Ghostface Killah vs. Kurupt…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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

September 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier Posts Vintage Footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990 (Video)

On the heels of announcing he is forming his first group since the legendary Gang Starr (PRhyme with Royce Da 5'9") DJ Premier reposts some vintage footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990. Found on Primo's blog Premier Wuz Here, here's what he had to say about... Read more

September 25, 2014 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Grand Puba vs. PMD (Parrish Smith)…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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

September 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

No Matter How Much You Know About Biggie, You Will Learn Something From This Discussion (Video)

As a part of last week's 20th anniversary coverage of The Notorious B.I.G's Ready To Die album, NPR "Microphone Check" assembled a panel in Brooklyn. Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley were joined by dream hampton (author, The Source), Matty C. (The Source, A&R), Biggie... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Says There Are No Lies On Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt (Video)

After a titillating first chapter, Hip-Hop Wired returns with a second segment of "Off The Record" with DJ Clark Kent. HHW's Aqua Boogie asks Clark about a more obscure cut, in Mad Skillz' (n/k/a Skillz) 1995 single, "Move Ya Body." Interestingly enough, while LL Cool J had hoped to swack... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Long Lost Duet from Michael Jackson and Queen’s Freddie Mercury (Audio)

More than 30 years ago, Michael Jackson and Queen's Freddie Mercury began working on a duet called "There Must Be More to Life Than This." For whatever reason, they never completed the song and Mercury went on to release it with only his vocals as part of his 1985 solo... Read more

September 21, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Like Hip-Hop and 80’s Music? These 2 Mixes Will Blow Your Mind (Audio)

DJ Scene had a love for Hip-Hop turntablism and 80's music. So...why not put the two together? His 2080s Mixes (Vol. 1 & 2) do just that, blending a wide-range of 80's music with some of the illest scratching you'll hear. Volume 1 covers the spectrum including Michael Jackson, Prince,... Read more

September 20, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Time Travel Back To 1987 With This Rare Taped DJ Red Alert Radio Show (Mix)

The site Medium is cookin' up some great content. Less than a week after their breakdown at 2Pac's breaking records (literally) at the short-lived Suge Knight-owned Club 662, Medium liberates some ephemeral greatness from 10 years prior. One of the true juggernauts of Hip-Hop radio, DJ Stretch Armstrong (of Stretch... Read more

September 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Do Remember: Geto Boys’ Bring It On, The Ultimate Rap-A-Lot Posse Cut (Audio)

Plenty of Hip-Hop groups have seen lineup changes. Ice Cube famously (and rather loudly) exited N.W.A in 1990 to pursue solo interests away from Ruthless Records. After a fast-track to stardom, Young Jeezy departed from Boyz N The Hood to become a Corporate Thug at Def Jam. Cee-Lo, and later... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Remember The Knicks’ John Starks? He’s Got A Story To Tell About Biggie Smalls (Video)

From 1990 to 1998, John Starks was a rugged Shooting Guard for the New York Knicks. The same year Starks earned an All-Star nod amidst a New York Knicks push to the top of the Eastern Conference, The Notorious B.I.G released his debut, Ready To Die. By the time Biggie... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Public Enemy Performs One Of Their Earliest, Biggest Hits With The Roots (Video)

While 1988 would be the year Public Enemy's seminal It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, 1987 is integral to the story. That would be the year that the Long Island collective dropped their debut album, Yo! Bum Rush The Show. The album was a homogenous blend... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Animated Video of an Interview of Michael Jackson from 1980 (Video)

Michael Jackson is the latest subject of PBS Digital Studios' Blank On Blank animation series. This 1980 recording from a MJ interview highlights his waving off genre labels, admitting that his on-stage dancing is improvisational, and working with Quincy Jones. There's a lot to love about this...including the fact that... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rick Rubin Says Chuck D Thought Public Enemy Was Too Old To Sign To Def Jam In 1987 (Video)

In the third volume of Noisey's series on Def Jam Records' 30th anniversary, founders Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin devote their attentions on Public Enemy. Likely in conjunction with P.E.'s performance of "Public Enemy #1" with The Roots on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show" yesterday (September 16), the vignette pays... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Mix of Nothing But Remixes of 90’s R&B. Press Play and Enjoy (Audio)

Part 1 of DJ Harvey Dent's Throwback series features a bevy of some of the choicest 90's R&B cuts. Dent digs deep in the crates though and has pulled together a mix of nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Brandy, D'Angelo, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Total, Usher, Faith Evans,... Read more

September 13, 2014 Audio, Throwback

The Notorious B.I.G’s Ready To Die 20 Years Later, The Best Of All Worlds (Food For Thought)

Twenty years ago today (September 13, 1994), The Notorious B.I.G and Bad Boy Records released Ready To Die, one (and many argue the best) of the two handfuls of incredible debut albums introduced in 1994. A long hot summer after Nas' Illmatic, with Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)... Read more

September 13, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

West Coast Pioneer Chris “The Glove” Taylor Offers Up An Electro Mix (Audio)

If Heads aren't up on Chris "The Glove" Taylor, they need to be. This West Coast Hip-Hop pioneer notably produced Ice-T's breakout record "Reckless," as a product of famed party/radio/DJ institution Uncle Jamm's Army. In the days since the early '80s, The Glove has produced joints for Xzibit and Saafir,... Read more

September 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Do Remember: Original Flavor & JAY-Z’s Can I Get Open? (Video)

In the story of Roc-A-Fella Records, there is often an under-played element in the story: Ski Beatz. A Greensboro, North Carolina native, Ski (as he was known for more than a decade) hailed from the group Original Flavor. Previously, he was in The Bizzie Boys. Joined by Suave Lover, the... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Wu-Tang Clan Heads & Film Buffs Know This Lyric Compilation Ain’t Nothing Ta F’ Wit (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan is currently gearing up for A Better Tomorrow. Well, this compilation of film dialogue certainly makes for a better today. Released a while back, this amazing cut-and-paste video recreates the exact lyrics to 1993's "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nothing Ta F' Wit." What's as impressive is that the editor... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rick Rubin & Russell Simmons Remember The Beastie Boys’ Beginnings (Video)

In the second (of four) installment of the 30th anniversary Def Jam Records vignettes, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit down to remember Adam "MCA" Yauch. Interestingly enough, in recalling the pre-Licensed To Ill days of the New York City trio, Rick Rubin served as the Beasties' DJ, before DJ... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Remembers Junior M.A.F.I.A’s Player’s Anthem With A Funny LL Cool J Story (Video)

DJ Clark Kent is one of Hip-Hop's most consistent veterans. A DJ, a record executive, a producer, and a sneaker-head, Clark's hands (and more importantly, his ears) have shaped the careers of many, ranging from Jay Z and Rakim, to Saafir and Canibus. Sitting down with Hip-Hop Wire's Alvin Blanco,... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

M.O.P’s Billy Danze Recalls To The Death, How About Some Hardcore 20 Years Later

This year, M.O.P's debut album, To The Death, turns an astounding 20 years old. Released by Select Records on April 5, 1994, the LP was nearly entirely produced by fellow Brownsville, Brooklyn native D/R Period, who in addition to work with Smoothe Da Hustler, The Diplomats, and Shyheim Da Rugged... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

MC Serch Is Selling His 25-Year Sneaker Collection…For The Price Of A Porsche

So many Hip-Hop stars of yesteryear were freshly dressed. MC Serch is no exception, as the 3rd Bass MC/producer had that "Brooklyn-Queens" style from the fade, to the baseball jerseys, of course, to the kicks. That last part as it were, Serch's sneaker collection is now up for sale by... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here is an Unbelievable Mix of 90’s Hip-Hop Remixes. Press Play and Get Ready (Audio)

SoulBounce's DJ Harvey Dent has put together an incredible mix of 90's Hip-Hop, featuring nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Method Man & Redman, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth,The Fugees, Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Lil Kim, Craig Mack, The Luniz, The... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

1979-2006: A Hip-Hop Odyssey – 800 Tracks In A 48 Minute Mix (Audio)

Here is one of the craziest mixes you will ever hear. DJ Jaguar Skills blends 800 songs in 48 minutes, spanning from 1979-2006. Press play and prepare to have your mind blown. DJ Jaguar Skills - 1979-2006 A Hip-Hop Odyssey - 800 Tracks In A 48 Minute Mix by E... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Ruthless Villain Eazy-E on His Birthday (Audio)

As we celebrate the birthday of Eazy-E, here's a mix from DJ Diablo and KDAY's Julio G that covers several aspects of the Ruthless Villain's legacy. You'll hear music from N.W.A., the D.O.C., Michel'le, Eazy and more. Check out the stream below. Related: N.W.A.’s DJ Yella Speaks on the Last... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Beat-Master Paul Nice Makes An Ill Sade Blend With 3 Turntables (Audio)

Heads need to be up on Paul Nice. The Upstate New York veteran producer cut his teeth in Hip-Hop making breakbeat/battle-break records a la 45 King and DJ Rectangle. In the nearly 25 years since, Paul has accrued production credits with the likes of Biz Markie, Masta Ace, Cali Agents,... Read more

September 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

R.I.P. To Joan Rivers. Remember Her Partying With The Beastie Boys? (Video)

This week, pop culture lost an icon in Joan Rivers. Known for self-deprecating humor, as well as a fearless comedic critique of her peers, the 81 year-old Brooklyn, New Yorker died yesterday (September 4) after complications from a heart attack and subsequent coma. In the late 1980s, Rivers hosted a... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Do Remember: Mystic’s The Life (Video)

Thirteen years after its release, Mystic's Cuts For Luck And Scars For Freedom continues to be a stone in the sand of the fast-paced 2000s. The only album released by the Bay area MC/songstress, this album has been reissued twice since its June, 2001 release by Good Vibe Records (at... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Discuss LL Cool J & T La Rock’s Impact (Video)

Def Jam Records is finishing its thirtieth year strong. The label worked with Noisey to gather thoughts from its founders in a four-part series. In the first vignette, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit side-by-side on a couch to discuss the label's earliest days. The guys who started the imprint... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jermaine Dupri Discusses His Role With Kris Kross, TLC, & Fresh Fest ’84 (Audio)

Jermaine Dupri hits the Hot 97 studio for an in depth interview with Peter Rosenberg to introduce his new artist Rolls Royce Rizzy in which they discuss his latest single, "Hot Damn," and his upcoming EP. The interview quickly shifts focus from Rizzy to Jermaine as Rosenberg and his cohorts... Read more

September 2, 2014 Audio, Throwback

DJ Premier Breaks Down 14 of His Classic Tracks in a Deadly Mix (Audio)

Here's volume 1 of DJ Derezon & Tre The Boy Wonder's mix series titled 14 Deadly Secrets. The duo chooses 14 classic cuts from an iconic Hip-Hop producer and then has the producer narrate a blazing mix of those tracks with behind the scenes stories. The first installment of the... Read more

August 30, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Deojae Remixes Eric B. & Rakim’s I Know You Got Soul with a Classic Beat (Audio)

Shout out to our readers. Heads have put us on to some dope finds over the years. Now, DJ and producer Deeojae alerts us to his own ill remix of Eric B. & Rakim's classic, "I Know You Got Soul." 80's R&B heads will recognize the blend instantly. Press play... Read more

August 30, 2014 Throwback

Here’s a Hot Mixtape of Erick Sermon Productions with His Commentary (Mixtape)

Here's a dope mix of some of Erick Sermon's most classic productions, featuring commentary from the Green Eyed Bandit himself about the making of each track. This is volume 3 of DJ Derezon & Tre the Boy Wonder's 14 Deadly Secrets series. Check out the stream and download below. Related:... Read more

August 30, 2014 Throwback

Unsung Profiles the Epic Rise and Fall of Troop in its Latest Episode (Full Video)

With silky smooth singles like "I'm Not Souped," "Spread My Wings" and "All I Do is Think of You," Troop followed the tradition of predecessors like The Jackson 5 and New Edition as dancing and singing male R&B group sensations. And, like many other artists prior to them, their meteoric... Read more

August 29, 2014 Throwback