Throwback Archives

You Think You’ve Heard All The Versions Of Nas’ It Ain’t To Tell? Think Again (Audio)

Next week's release of Illmatic XX, a compilation re-releasing Nas' 1994 debut album with some additional freestyles, remixes, and songs recorded during the 1992-1994 sessions which missed the initial Columbia/Sony/RuffHouse release is gearing up. Some Heads, who had bootlegs, mixtapes, and a savvy Internet finger may claim they've heard everything.... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

One Of 2Pac’s Most Hip-Hop-Minded Songs Gets A Nice New Cookin’ Soul Remix (Audio)

Sometimes Tupac Shakur's Hip-Hop contributions are underplayed. Sure, 'Pac was a new kind of superstar rapper at the time of his death in late 1996, but Heads can forget that the native New Yorker was a B-boy too. Although One Nation never released the album as 'Pac intended, the group's... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Would Nas’ Illmatic Have Been Longer if it Had Not Been Leaked? MC Serch Speaks (Video)

I remember when I got my first copy of Illmatic. It was a blank cassette tape...and it was about 4 weeks before the album was released. I had a friend who had a friend in NYC and, apparently, bootleg copies were rampant. MC Serch and Faith Newman (who signed Nas... Read more

April 9, 2014 Throwback

Da Beatminerz In The House! DJ Evil Dee’s Tribute Mix For Frankie Knuckles (Audio)

DJ Evil Dee stays on the mix (c'mon, and kick it!). One of the living legends of Bushwick, Brooklyn and Hip-Hop production has been making mixtapes for over 25 years. Although Evil Dee (and brother Mr. Walt) are best known for grimy, bass-driven Hip-Hop beats (especially with his group, Black... Read more

April 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Alternate Take of Mobb Deep’s Eye For an Eye Featuring Nas, Rae & Ghost (Audio)

Think you've heard Mobb Deep's Eye for an Eye? Think again...Here's an alternate mix that sports a different track, different verses from Havoc, Prodigy and Raekwon, and some bars from Ghostface Killah. Though it has different elements, it has all the grit and grime of the original. This is from... Read more

April 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

Tony Yayo is Back with a Vengeance…and He Brought Joell Ortiz & Uncle Murda. This is New York Life (Audio)

Tony Yayo goes in with Joell Ortiz and Uncle Murda over a track that is hard as nails. This is New York Life. Related: Young Buck & Game Hit The Studio For The First Time In Almost 10 Years (Video)... Read more

April 3, 2014 Throwback

Hulk Hogan Speaks on How Mr. T Changed Wrestling Forever (Video)

Pro Wrestling has been a staple in Rap lyrics for years. Artists ranging from Ghostface Killah to Action Bronson have referred to their favorite heroes and heels in songs. In preparation for Wrestlemania 30, Hulk Hogan, the biggest wrestling star of them all, sat down with Arsenio and talked about... Read more

April 2, 2014 Throwback

2014 Record Store Day Will Include Limited Edition Gil Scott Heron Recordings, Including This 2008 Gem (Audio)

It's soon to be almost three years since the world lost an amazing singer, poet and author in Gil Scott Heron. The Harlem, New York-based Heron is known for creating the basis of songs that spoke candidly about the last days of the Civil Rights Era, drug use, gentrification, and... Read more

April 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier Shows The Untouched Remnants Of D&D Studios, How A Fight With Guru Made A Gang Starr Classic (Video)

In Gang Starr's Hard To Earn 20th anniversary year, DJ Premier has done some special press concerning the group, the album, and the legendary status of his group with Guru. Today, DJ Premier, along with a host of others, work out of Midtown Manhattan's HeadCourterz Studios. Named after the late... Read more

March 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

I Used to Love HER…Rick Rubin Speaks on How Hip-Hop Has Changed.

Rick Rubin, along with Russell Simmons, started what is arguably the most important Hip-Hop record label ever created in Def Jam Recordings. So, who better to commentate on the state of the culture today? Rubin gave a rare interview to Vulture and spoke about the early days of Def Jam,... Read more

March 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Biggie Smalls, Suge Knight, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dogg In The Same Room In The Early ’90s? Check The Tapes (Video)

Much has been written, speculated, and sadly, testified in the rift between Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records in the mid-to-late 1990s. While Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were once friends and collaborators, Heads often fail to realize that prior to the 1995 Source Awards, things were not... Read more

March 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

!llmind Brings Bob James’ Into The Modern Era With This Tribute Remix (Audio)

New Jersey professor/educator !llmind has been knocking around the music industry for over a decade. In addition to full-length work with Skyzoo, 'Mind has credits with G.O.O.D Music's Cruel Summer release, Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP 2, and joints with Boot Camp Clik, Redman, and Pharoahe Monch. After letting The Roots'... Read more

March 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Mobb Deep & Big Noyd’s 1994 Version Update Of MC Shan’s Classic Is Liberated (Audio)

The Bridge Wars were very real. Most Heads know about the Juice Crew vs. Boogie Down Productions main event featuring MC Shan, Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante and more versus KRS-One, Scott La Rock, Just-Ice, DJ Kenny Parker and others. However, throughout the late '80s and early '90s, other artists were... Read more

March 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

80s Slow Jam Lovers Will Groove Along To This Soul Train-Inspired Pharrell Happy Remix (Audio)

Atlanta, Georgia party-rockers ForteBowie are known throughout Fulton and Dekalb counties. However, following this flip of Pharrell's Oscar-nominated "Happy," word is expanding. This "1988 Soul Train Remix" features a flip of Keith Sweat's Make it Last Forever in a way that would make father Don Cornelius proud. If Pharrell is... Read more

March 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

45 King, Chill Rob G & Lakim Shabazz Share Flavor Unit Memories, Talk 45’s Heart Attack & Collaborations (Video)

Two New Jersey Hip-Hop legends came together over 25 years after their first link. 45 King and Lakim Shabazz, the founder and one of the star MCs of the first wave of The Unit, respectively, did a new episode of 45's "Making The Beat." While playing some joints, the pair... Read more

March 24, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Truly Amazing VIDEO Mix of A Tribe Called Quest Music (Video)

DJ Cable has put together an amazing mix of A Tribe Called Quest VIDEOS. ATCQ's music catalog stands among the elite in Hip-Hop but their visuals were also groundbreaking. Here's an incredible reminder of the artful contribution they've made to the culture on all levels. Check out the video mix.... Read more

March 22, 2014 Throwback

Here’s Some Previously Unreleased D’Angelo That Will Get You Jonesing for More (Audio)

Few artists have had such a huge impact on music with such a small catalog of recordings as D'Angelo. Both Brown Sugar and Voodoo are revered and considered by many to be classics but, sadly, D has not released a new album since 2000. That will change (sorta) next week... Read more

March 21, 2014 Throwback

Kool Keith Takes Off The Mask & Gets Open In This Stellar Documentary (Video)

Kool Keith is a genius. The Ultramagnetic MC's front-man elevated the artform of lyricism to the highest level through albums like Ultramagnetic MC's Critical Beatdown and Wild Pitch Records one-off The Four Horsemen. However, along the way, the artist who regularly rhymed about trips to Bellevue Mental Hospital admitted to... Read more

March 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

King T Says That He Was Originally Supposed To Be On Kendrick Lamar’s Compton

2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city major label debut from Kendrick Lamar featured more than one Compton legend. Dr. Dre, whose Aftermath Entertainment co-released the album, appeared on "Compton," while MC Eiht provided chilly vocals to one of the LP's two title tracks. A new interview with DJ EFN's Crazy Hood... Read more

March 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Kool G Rap Recalls Delivering Chinese Food, Financial Strategies, & His Realest Verse Ever (Video)

Kool G Rap interviews are getting better with the Queens MC's career. Once guarded in the '90s and early 2000s, the Juice Crew alum—who influenced a generation of rhyme spitters—is seemingly unafraid to be who he is, when the setting and questions call for it. Recently, Montreality sat with the... Read more

March 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ SNS Liberates The Original Mixtape Version Of Biggie’s Who Shot Ya With A Keith Murray Verse (Audio)

It could be easily argued that the 1990s was the ultimate decade for mixtapes. Still on cassettes, New York masters like Kid Capri, Doo Wop, Tony Touch, DJ Clue, Ron G, Silva Surfa, Green Lantern, and a host of others competed with each other for the best exclusives, freestyles, strongest... Read more

March 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Nas & Large Professor’s Remix Of It Ain’t Hard To Tell Gets Another Afterlife (Audio)

For the second time in the 2000s, Columbia/Sony Records is releasing the remix to Nas' "It Ain't Hard To Tell" to CD. Many Heads know that Large Professor, who produced the original sophomore single to Nas' Illmatic debut (released four months prior to the LP), made an alternate version of... Read more

March 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Lance Scott Walker Compiles A 6-Hour, Completely Comprehensive Houston Hip-Hop History Mixtape (Audio)

Houston is one of those Hip-Hop scenes for which not every Head knows the whole history. While New York, the Bay, and L.A. have legacies that are commonly covered in documentaries, books, and television specials, H-Town is its own animal. Beyond the Geto Boys and Rap-A-Lot Records, there's a lot... Read more

March 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Playlist Celebrating the Life & Legacy of the 1 and Only Nate Dogg (Audio)

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Nate Dogg on the 3rd anniversary of his passing, here's a playlist of some of the many jewels he dropped on the Hip-Hop nation. Press play, sit back and vibe out to the sounds of Hip-Hop's greatest hook man. Related: RIP Nate... Read more

March 15, 2014 Throwback

RIP Nate Dogg. Here’s a Look Back at the Hip-Hop Hook King Discussing His Career (Video)

Rest in peace to Nate Dogg who passed away 3 years ago on 3/19. Here's a rare look at Hip-Hop hook king discussing his career. Check out the video. Related: Snoop Dogg, Warren G & Nate Dogg – It Ain’t No Fun (Original Version) ft Kurupt... Read more

March 14, 2014 Throwback

James Brown Biopic, Get On Up, In Production, Starring Jill Scott & Produced By Mick Jagger (Video)

Along with Tupac Shakur, N.W.A., and Jimi Hendrix, another musical icon has a biopic in the works. James Brown, The Godfather Of Soul, is the subject of a film, according to "The Today Show" (as shared by egotrip). The film, Get On Up, will star Chadwick Boseman, who played Jackie... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Russell Simmons Explains Success Through Meditation, Recalls Some Vivid & Never Before Heard Def Jam Memories (Audio)

With his latest book hitting shelves (Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple), Russell Simmons stops by his former Def Jam Records employee, Combat Jack's show. Beginning at the 16-minute mark, Uncle Rush enters. In the lengthy and coherent interview, Russ speaks about his storied drug days and early era as... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Check Out This Mix Of De La Soul Samples That Has Even Maseo’s Head Nodding

The Native Tongues are known for positive messages, social consciousness, sense of humor, and of course, sampling. Whether talking about A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, or Jungle Brothers, these acts pulled liberally (and cleverly) from other eras, genres, and movements to make their own. On the sample tip, few... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz Digs In The Crates For An Hour-Long Mix Of Breakbeats (Audio)

It's been almost 20 years ago since Showbiz & A.G.'s Show decided to hang up the microphone. While Heads were distraught, the Boogie Down Bronx veteran, and Diggin' In The Crates crew (D.I.T.C.) co-founder maintained his post as a highly-revered producer. Show's worked for Fat Joe, Big L, KRS-One, and... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

AFH Celebrates Biggie Smalls with a Playlist of His Videos & Some Classic Freestyles (Video)

We continue our all day celebration of The Notorious B.I.G., on the anniversary of his passing, with a playlist of some of his videos as well as clips of classic freestyles with Tupac, Nas, Lil Cease and more. Click play and reminisce on the life and legacy of Biggie Smalls... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

DJ Marley Marl Details What Started the Wars Between BDP & The Juice Crew (Video)

DJ Marley Marl has been speaking about the early days of Hip-Hop, lately. He recently sat down on The Juan Epstein show, as well as with Mister Cee, and spoke on everything from working with artists like Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap and LL Cool J, to how the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Audio, Throwback

On the Anniversary of Biggie’s Death, Here’s a Look at His Final Interview with Sway (Video)

March 9th is an ominous date for the Hip-Hop Nation. Today marks the 17th anniversary of Biggie's death. Rather than lament his passing, we will be celebrating his life and legacy, starting with a look back at his final interview with Sway in March of 1997. Big speaks on being... Read more

March 9, 2014 Throwback

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a Rare EPK of Gang Starr From 1990 (Video)

As we continue our celebration of Gang Starr on the 20th anniversary of their landmark Hard to Earn album, here's a look at a vintage EPK of the duo from 1990, the era of Step in the Arena. GURU and DJ Premier discuss the mission of Gang Starr and Step... Read more

March 8, 2014 Throwback

N.W.A.’s DJ Yella Speaks on the Last Time He Saw Eazy-E (Video)

Montreality spoke to N.W.A. OG, DJ Yella, in the latest installment of their in-depth interview series. Yella spoke on many topics, including his current relationship with Dr. Dre, the upcoming N.W.A. movie, becoming a porn producer, the last time he saw Eazy-E and more. Check out the video below. Related:... Read more

March 7, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Piece Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn

Gang Starr's Hard to Earn album turns 20 years old tomorrow (3/8). To celebrate the landmark LP, Nahright & Up North Trips have put together a phenomenal piece that features a track by track breakdown of the making of the album by DJ Premier, himself. Check out an excerpt and... Read more

March 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

If You’ve Never Heard Nas’ 1993 Freestyle On The Stretch & Bobbito Show, You Must (Audio)

In 1993, Nas was in a weird space. It would be over a year before he would release the groundbreaking Illmatic debut. However, Nasty Nas was making a name through New York City performances, and a series of Large Professor collaborations, from 1991's "Live At The BBQ" on down to... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

A Rare 1994 Remix Surfaces From O.C.’s Word…Life Album By DJ Eclipse (Audio)

O.C.'s 1994 debut album, Word...Life, is among one of the albums that makes the year so special in the Hip-Hop memory. Known then as a longtime affiliate of Organized Konfusion, O stepped to the front with some help from Buckwild on the boards, Lord Finesse filling in, Roc Raida on... Read more

March 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock, Clark Kent & Kevy Kev Reunite With Marley Marl on the In Control Show (Audio Mix)

Many Heads know Marley Marl's In Control brand from the legendary compilation album of the same name that he released in 1988 which featured The Symphony and other classics. The compilation was named after Marley's NYC radio show which was a leading platform for Hip-Hop during that era. Marley recently... Read more

March 2, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad & SZA Discuss OXYMORON (Video)

There have been several videos promoting the release of Schoolboy Q's OXYMORON, but this is one of the best. As they did when Kendrick Lamar released good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Google Play has put together a short film about Q and OXYMORON. He speaks candidly about battling addiction, the process... Read more

March 2, 2014 Throwback

Just Blaze Praises The Super Freak Pied Piper Rick James In This Dope Animated Video Series

Just Blaze gave the music of the late Rick James new life in 2006, when he made comeback track "Kingdom Come" for Jay-Z. Using elements of Rick's "Super Freak," which were already the basis of MC Hammer's smash hit, "U Can't Touch This," Jay had a red carpet re-entrance to... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Salute The Original Foxy Brown. Watch Pam Grier’s Full Unsung Episode (Video)

Before she was one of the more active celebrity Twitter accounts, Pam Grier helped define an era of film. In title roles like "Foxy Brown," "Coffee," and later, "Jackie Brown," Pam Grier was a true ass-kicking heroine, fighting systems of oppression based on both race and gender. Through Blaxploitation films,... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Kermit The Frog As Kool G Rap? Watch The Sesame Street Crew Tackle The Juice Crew’s Symphony (Video)

Admit it or not, plenty Heads grew up on Sesame Street. PBS' afternoon learning and entertainment show raised many of us long before we later recognized Gordon in Willie Dynamite, or laughed at Dave Chappelle's impersonation of The Count. Well, in the tradition of Bert & Ernie playing Billy Danze... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Ice-T Is The Next ’80s Hip-Hop O.G. To Lend His Talents To A Talk Show?

This year has seen 3rd Bass' MC Serch move from Hip-Hop music to radio to talk-show television. The Rockaway, Queens native has already had some compelling moments on his show. Now it seems that Ice-T, who like Serch, has some experience with television, is now going to try out a... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a True Old School Playlist. You will find nothing post-1988 here (Audio Playlist)

If names like Whodini, The Fat Boys, Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J, Ice-T, 2 Live Crew, Schoolly D, Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane and Run-DMC mean something to you, this should move you. Press play, sit back and nod your head. Related: Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim:... Read more

February 21, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

What Five-Figure Piece Of Memorabilia Did A Record Buyer Find Inside An Album Sleeve? (Video)

Heads who collect records know that you can find some pretty interesting stuff when you dig. Besides the racks of wax, a lot of older albums can be secret hideaways for things: love letters, journals, rolling papers, stickers, and the old cryptic messages some people like to put in the... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Need Some Inspiration? Watch This Hour-Long Documentary On Public Enemy & The Bomb Squad (Video)

There will never be enough documentaries and books on Public Enemy, and the music they've made. Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X (and later, DJ Lord), as well as The Bomb Squad changed Hip-Hop lyrically, musically, and in concert. ego trip's "Night At The Movies" hipped AFH to... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big L Rest in Peace: 15 Classic Big L Freestyles (Audio)

Rest in Peace to Big L who passed away 15 years ago today. To celebrate his too short life but enduring legacy, NahRight & Up North Trips have assembled a compilation of 15 classic Big L Freestyles. Check out the legendary Big L/Jay Z freestyle below and a link to... Read more

February 15, 2014 Throwback

Oodles Of Downloads: De La Soul’s Whole Catalog Is Free For The Next 25 Hours!

As reported yesterday, the entire De La Soul music catalog is available for free download from just this minute (11am EST) to noon EST tomorrow (February 15). In part a Valentines Day gift, but more probably an early nod to the 25th anniversary of 3 Feet High And Rising, this... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

De La Soul Is Celebrating Their 25th Year By Giving Away Their Catalog For Free, For 25 Hours

In just over two weeks, De La Soul's groundbreaking debut album, 3 Feet High And Rising turns 25 years old. The first time Heads heard Posdnous, Trugoy, and DJ Maseo has already turned a quarter century old, as has the shapeshifting production from Prince Paul, and all the colorful artwork,... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback