Fresh Archives

Here’s a DJ Gilles Peterson Mix of Roy Ayers’ Deep Cuts in Celebration of His 75th Birthday (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Roy Ayers. The legendary musician and composer turned 75 this week (9/10). With a career spanning 6 decades, Ayers has been heavily influential in Jazz, Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop. Perhaps the most recent example of just how deep his impact runs comes from the hugely successful N.W.A.... Read more

September 11, 2015 Mixes

Before Yo! MTV Raps & Rap City, There Was Graffiti Rock. Its Creator Details the History (Video)

Michael Holman's name remains relatively unknown in mainstream discussions about Hip-Hop culture, but there are plenty who recognize his contributions and achievements, and rightfully so. The man behind the short-lived but historic Hip-Hop television show "Graffiti Rock" is also a longtime artist, writer, filmmaker, and overall Head whose experiences in... Read more

September 11, 2015 Lifestyle

Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul & ScHoolboy Q List Their Vices With No Shame (Video)

A lot can change in 4 years. When Jay Rock released his debut album, Follow Me Home, in 2011, Top Dawg Entertainment was a fledgling imprint trying to establish itself. Though its core 4 artists--Rock, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar--had amassed a healthy following amongst Heads, they were nowhere... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

For Ice Cube, It Was A Big Step In Small Time From C.I.A. To N.W.A. (Audio)

Straight Outta Compton viewers had a glimpse of what Ice Cube did in his days after school in circa 1987. Before it was Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella he surrounded himself with, it was Sir Jinx and K-Dee (a/k/a Kid Disaster) that O'Shea Jackson favored. They were... Read more

September 10, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Jay Rock Flashes The Black Hippy Sign In The Booth For 90059 (Audio)

On TDE albums, Heads often flip over the digital covers in search of that coveted Black Hippy posse cut. On tomorrow's (September 11) 90059 album by Jay Rock, it does exist. "Vice City" is no video game homage, but rather a verbal sin-bin for Jay, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Just Blaze Has Made Smashes For Jay Z, Kanye West, T.I. & More. Watch How He Does It (Video)

Over the years, Just Blaze has powered some of Hip-Hop biggest hits and most revered classics. The superstar producer is responsible for defining records by Jay Z ("Girls, Girls, Girls," "Song Cry," "Public Service Announcement"), Kanye West ("Touch the Sky"), T.I. and more. Though his style varies, he is known... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Beastie Boys Share How Paul’s Boutique Might Have Gotten a Record Company Exec Fired (Video)

Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond recently sat down with New Zealand radio personality Zane Lowe for an intimate conversation about Beastie Boys history in celebration of the 26th anniversary of their album Paul's Boutique, and even more poignantly, the conversation took place on August 5, which would... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Imagine Pete Rock & Large Professor DJ’ing, While D’Angelo is on the Phone. Q-Tip Made It Happen. (Audio)

On the latest edition of Q-Tip's Abstract Radio show, he treats fans to a mind-blowing experience. He is joined by Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio, and the collective serves up a smorgasbord of classic break beats, anchored by a healthy dose of James Brown. Before that, Tip... Read more

September 10, 2015 Mixes

Check Out the Big Brain on Brett: Here’s How Sounds Evolved It (Audio)

Earlier today, NPR aired a segment on its Health program "Shots" during today's "Morning Edition" that explored the role of auditory experiences on the development and evolution of the animal brain. In fact, there is an entire school of scientists devoted to the field, and they are called "acoustic biologists."... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake are Back at It: Check Out Part 6 of Their History of Rap (Video)

It was a big day for Hip-Hop in late-night television yesterday. With Kendrick Lamar's awe-inspiring performance on Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" last night and the return of the Fallon-Timberlake duo to the "Tonight Show," there is plenty to go around. Since 2010, the two have partnered in medley-style performances of... Read more

September 10, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Raury Refuses To Be Boxed In. He Taps Tom Morello & Redefines the Atlanta Sound (Video)

In just over a month (October 16), Raury will his next album, All We Need. The Columbia Records sensation follows up his Indigo Child breakthrough with a continued message of hope, peace, and fellowship. In subject matter, in fashion, and in attitude, the Atlanta, Georgia native MC/singer is quite unlike... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Dam-Funk Sells Funk Straight Out The Trunk. Literally (Video)

In an era of software-driven producers, Los Angeles, California's Dam-Funk is about that hardware. Since 1988, the Stones Throw Records artist has made bodacious Funk through a series of synthesizers, cheap and expensive alike. If you see the Snoop Dogg and Blu collaborator on the road, you'll see that he... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Big Boi Debuts His New Sound With Phantogram on “Fell in the Sun” (Audio)

Apart from their handful of Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors collaborative songs, Big Boi and Phantograms aim to make Big Grams its own thing. Following the reveal of the September 25 EP's tracklist and artwork, the Decatur, Georgia-to-Greenwich, New York trio unveiled their first look: "Fell In The Sun." Like... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Gives the First Ever Performance on Colbert’s Late Show & Tears It Down With FUNK (Video)

As the new talk television season kicks into gear this week, morning, daytime, and evening shows are booking the elite guests in culture. As Stephen Colbert eases into the seat of "The Late Show," one of the higher profile moves in media, he called upon Kendrick Lamar to stop by.... Read more

September 10, 2015 Video

Jay Rock Retraces His Watts Roots In A 90059 Mini-Documentary (Video)

Jay Rock's sophomore album 90059 is arriving Friday (September 11). The Watts, California MC made a mini-documentary video explaining his skill development leading into his first LP in four years. Moreover, the five-minute film gets rare access to Jay's Nickerson Gardens houses in Watts, a grid notorious for its gang... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

Public Enemy’s Latest is an Homage to the Motherland & All of Her Pain (Video)

In July, Public Enemy released Man Plans God Laughs, the 13th studio album from the Long Island, New York icons. Reportedly inspired by the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Run the Jewels, the album is replete with the content familiar to P.E. Heads - politics, thought-provoking content, and unbridled depictions... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

Scarface Says Kanye West & Jay Z Wanted Him On Jesus Walks (Video)

Scarface and Kanye West worked together in the early 2000s. First on Jay Z's "This Can't Be Life," and then on a chunk of 'Face's own The Fix album, the then-Def Jam Records label-mates began a strong bond. In the 15 years since, Kanye West has closely worked with 20-plus-year... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

Apollo Brown & Planet Asia Make The Song Cry For Ill Street Blues (Audio)

Apollo Brown is the veteran producer MCs see when they aim to make something different in the catalog. O.C., Ras Kass, and Guilty Simpson all have jewels to show. Planet Asia, who did a whole album with Mello Music Group (2013's Abrasions with Gensu Dean), may be next in that... Read more

September 9, 2015 Audio

Israeli Hip-Hop Groups Have a Lot to Overcome, But the Music Keeps on Keeping On (Video)

For many, Israel is immediately associated with religious war and strife, not entirely incorrect but exceedingly short-sighted, as much of the country's ancient cultural history is overshadowed in the media by ongoing conflicts with Palestine and other tragic goings-on that have plagued the Holy Land for all of its short... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

A New Mini-Documentary Explores the History of N.W.A.’s ‘F the Police’ & its Influence in Compton (Video)

In the weeks since Straight Outta Compton hit theaters, the discussions about N.W.A.'s role in Hip-Hop history have become commonplace, and rightfully so. While arguments have been made that the film omitted much of their story, what has prevailed are the Compton, California group's contributions to politically driven, reality rap.... Read more

September 9, 2015 Video

A Heartfelt Documentary Film On Geto Boys’ Bushwick Bill Is Fundraising. See The Trailer (Video)

Although he was never a front man in his own group, Bushwick Bill may one of Hip-Hop's most interesting stories. Bushwick Bill (born Richard Shaw), the dancer-turned-MC from platinum Gangsta Rap pioneers the Geto Boys, has been a music mainstay for nearly 30 years. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of August 2015 in 1 Playlist (Audio)

August 2015 was an incredibly complex month for Hip-Hop. On the one hand, it was filled with tragedy and will forever be remembered as the month when we lost the great Sean Price. On the other hand, the month also brought a new album from Method Man, the first album... Read more

September 8, 2015 Mixes

Freddie Gray’s Family Potentially Awarded $6.4 Million By Baltimore, But Justice Can’t Be Bought.

Today (September 8), the family of Freddie Gray reached a settlement with the city of Baltimore, Maryland. The family and legal team will receive $6.4 million, according to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Tomorrow morning (September 9), the Board Of Estimates, a civic panel including Mayor Rawlings-Blake will be the final step,... Read more

September 8, 2015 Lifestyle, News

Georgia Anne Muldrow Fires Up Raging Basslines In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Los Angeles, California producer/MC Georgia Anne Muldrow has amassed quite a career. A Mello Music Group artist, the real-life spouse of Dudley Perkins (a/k/a Declaime) has worked on acclaimed albums such as Mos Def's The Ecstatic and Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Part One and Part Two, plus Platinum Pied Pipers' Triple... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

DJ Premier Releases The First Single With His Band, The BADDER (Video)

2015 began with an announcement that Hip-Hop turntablist/production legend DJ Premier was heading up a new band. Soon after, the collective did a stint of dates in Asia, followed by some American appearances. After just rehearsal footage, Preemo shares the first video single from the crew (known as The BADDER).... Read more

September 8, 2015 Video

Rapper Big Pooh Dusts Off Childhood Memories Over Evocative Nottz Chops (Audio)

Rapper Big Pooh is gifted in the ability to present raps that many Heads can relate to. With Nottz composing a reflective arrangement of vocals (by Novej) and drums, the Virginia native returns to his childhood and adolescence from fast food jobs to high school proms, trying to look cool... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog & Marco Polo Share A Jazzy One-Two Punch Of Songs (Audio)

Since Your Old Droog's 2013 proper introduction, one of the producers of his inner-circle has been Marco Polo. The Brooklyn, New York MC and the New York City-by-way-of-Ontario, Canada transplant make strong music together, both displaying throwback sensibilities to the days of witty wordplay and chopped down samples. From July's... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

15 Years Ago, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common & More Used Hip-Hop for Justice. The Fight Continues.

Police officers (and law enforcement officials) murdering unarmed people of color has been a resounding issue, especially since the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. However, while mainstream media has not always looked at the issue that extends back throughout the United States' history, other media has. One of those sources... Read more

September 7, 2015 Food for Thought

DJ Spinna Recreates A 1980s Party Through Blending Breaks, Early Rap & Groove (Mix)

DJ Spinna is one of Hip-Hop's most versatile mixmasters. The Brooklyn, New York native has shined a light on House, Funk-Rock, and the all-encompassing genius of Stevie Wonder, while introducing The Jigmastas, Polyrhythm Addicts, as well as early works by MCs ranging from Eminem to J-Live, Thirstin Howl III to... Read more

September 7, 2015 Mixes

King Los Always Had Bars. Now He’s Got Hooks Too. MCs, Beware…(Audio)

Over the last few years, King Los has established himself as an elite MC. When Kendrick Lamar took out an entire generation of MCs with one verse and caused even more to respond to his taking "Control," it was Los' verse that Kendrick deemed to be the best reply. Los... Read more

September 7, 2015 Audio

Mack Wilds Orchestrates A Heist With An Ex In Bonnie & Clyde (Audio)

In the vain of Jodeci, R. Kelly, and Adina Howard, Mack Wilds likes his R&B risqué. The Sony Red-backed singer from Staten Island, New York returns from campaigning aggressively in 2013 and 2014 for "Bonnie & Clyde." The mid-tempo track features a detailed arrangement of background vocals as Mack presents... Read more

September 7, 2015 Audio

Wale Closes Out Summer Season Celebrating Blooming Love (Video)

With back-to-back #1 albums and a Grammy nomination, Wale is one of Rap music's certified stars. Arguably, part of what got the MC there is his ability to make songs many can relate to. Major themes like "ambition," pride, and the ("Seinfeld"-inspired) mundane can be ruling subjects on Wale albums.... Read more

September 7, 2015 Video

Damon Wayans Gets Deadly Serious About Diabetes, In Living Color & Past Racism on SNL (Video)

An adage famously says that "tragedy plus time equals comedy." Throughout the last 30 years, Damon Wayans has tested that formula. The comedian and actor dazzled television, film, and stand-up with imitation and observation that barred no holds. The "In Living Color" and "My Wife And Kids" superstar created caricatures... Read more

September 6, 2015 Video

Space Out To A Parliament-Funkadelic Mind-Melting Journey (Mix)

With N.W.A. and Dr. Dre celebrating the mass attention in the Straight Outta Compton (and just Compton) renaissance, with about one of Dre's leading inspirations? In addition to heavy influence from Curtis Mayfield, David Axelrod, and Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Dre's career has been molded... Read more

September 6, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Did You Know An Unsigned Eminem Slid Fat Joe Demo Tapes, More Than 6 Times?

As unsigned Eminem lived in New Jersey in the late 1990s. Running with Pacewon and The Outsidaz, doing 12" singles on small New York City independent labels, the Detroit, Michigan MC made a lot of impact trying to earn a lasting spot in the Hip-Hop/music industry. As fate would have... Read more

September 6, 2015 Fresh

Gang Starr Hit Yo! MTV Raps Amidst Their 1994 Mass Appeal, With A Freestyle (Video)

Throughout the history of Gang Starr, there were a host of important albums and movements. In the late 1990s, Guru and DJ Premier went gold (with a Top 10) in Moment Of Truth, gathering the award tour of a much-deserved greatest hits look follow-up, Full Clip. A decade prior, it... Read more

September 6, 2015 Throwback

Your Old Droog & Problemz Rock A Freestyle With Lots Of Replay Value (Video)

Appearing on DJ Eclipse's "Rap Is Outta Control" show, Your Old Droog and Problemz brought their A-game. In the show (also featuring J57 and Karla Keys), records are often played that not only advance the culture forward, but live up to the standard of "dope" established decades ago. The lyrical... Read more

September 6, 2015 Video

A Missy Elliott Biopic? Here’s Why Her Story Bridges Women & Hip-Hop in a Powerful Way

Since Straight Outta Compton's meteoric rise to dominance in discussions of contemporary American film, music, sexual politics, and more, the concept of the Hip-Hop biopic is one that has flooded channels of communication and is seemingly inescapable. News of a Master P biopic and a cinematic exploration of Death Row... Read more

September 5, 2015 Lifestyle

D’Angelo & Tavis Smiley Maintain the Groove in Pt. 2 of Their Fascinating Conversation (Video)

Much like the first half of their conversation, part 2 of the discussion between D'Angelo and Tavis Smiley showcases two masters at work. Smiley shows why he has ascended to become one of the best interviewers in the business by asking informed questions and actively listening. In turn, D'Angelo rewards... Read more

September 5, 2015 Video

Tavis Smiley Gets D’Angelo’s First TV Interview in 10 Years and It’s Masterful (Video)

On September 2 and 3, the incomparable D'Angelo sat down with Tavis Smiley for the singer's first long-format television interview in over a decade. The conversation spilled over into two episodes of Smiley's PBS show, which is not surprising considering the magnitude of the subject at hand. In the first... Read more

September 4, 2015 TV/Film, Video

25 Years Strong and Redman is Still a Bad, Bad Man (Audio)

For 25 years, Redman has been one of the most consistent microphone destroyers in the business. Red hit the radar for many with his show-stealing guest verse on EPMD's 1992 song, "Head Banger," and Reggie Noble has not looked back since. In 1996, he released his fan-favorite album Muddy Waters,... Read more

September 3, 2015 Audio

Rick Ross Releases His Black Dollar Mixtape (Stream & Download)

Just three days ago, Rick Ross announced he was releasing a new project today (September 3). Since then, Ross has been on a tear, leaking new music and videos--sometimes both--each day. Now, Ross makes good on his word and drops the entire Black Dollar project for free. The mixtape showcases... Read more

September 3, 2015 Mixes

Anderson .Paak Got Co-Signs From Dr. Dre AND DJ Premier. Here’s His Latest (Audio)

Anderson .Paak, the Los Angeles talent featured more prominently on Dr. Dre's Compton than any other artist (outside of the good doctor himself, of course) has released a collaborative EP with Blended Babies, a production duo whose work with artists like Ab-Soul, Freddie Gibbs, Kid Cudi, and the Black Keys'... Read more

September 3, 2015 Audio

Exile Proves Why He Stands Alone as a Producer on ‘Rhythm Roulette’ (Video)

In the latest installment of "Rhythm Roulette" - a musically diabolical segment from Mass Appeal which challenges heavyweight producers with creating a beat live, based on three random finds at a record store - Exile is in the crosshairs. The Los Angeles native has helped create classic material from Open... Read more

September 3, 2015 Video

Scarface’s Mental Exorcism is a Powerful Reminder of the Pain We’ve Endured (Video)

The last few years have been as painful as any in recent memory, in terms of race relations. From the death of Trayvon Martin to wide-scale riots to a nation once again divided by the Confederate Flag, these have been troubling times. Scarface has never been one to shy away... Read more

September 3, 2015 Video

Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson & Statik Selektah Celebrate the Good Life from Croatia (Video)

Statik Selektah's Lucky 7 album has endured as one of the strongest of the year. The LP, touted as Statik's last as a solo artist, is a smorgasbord of MCs' MCs, including Sean Price, Royce Da 5'9", Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Your Old Droog, Joey Bada$$ and Action Bronson.... Read more

September 3, 2015 Video

Royal Flush Iced Down New York City’s Late ’90s Run Alongside N.O.R.E. (Video)

1997 was one of Rap's most transitional years. In the settling dust of the East Coast vs. West Coast feud, both shorelines produced some standout Hip-Hop albums. Not all of the material necessarily made the charts, but it was in this resettling that movements such as Rawkus, No Limit, Cash... Read more

September 3, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Dam-Funk’s Disclosure Remix Has Even Wallflowers Finna Get Loose (Audio)

Stones Throw Records is a sonic hot-bed. Whether Madlib, J Dilla, Oh No, or Mayer Hawthorne, Peanut Butter Wolf's imprint hones in some of music's most exciting producers, and gives them free reign. In the current label lineup, Dam-Funk is a standout. For almost a decade, the Southern California mainstay... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio

Ski Beatz Takes Responsibility for the Mos Def/Yasiin Bey Confusion (Video)

Last week, a track was released, titled "Sensei on the Block," that was credited to Mos Def & Ski Beatz. As the track appeared to be new and came with no explanation, many (including AFH) saw the song as a return by the MC and activist now known as Yasiin... Read more

September 2, 2015 Video

Scarface & Nas Make Another Amazing Cross-Country Collab (Audio)

Scarface's Deeply Rooted is less than 48 hours away from release. However, the Houston, Texas lyrical legend offers the album's most anticipated song. "Do What I Do" extends a rich tradition in 'Face's collaborative history with Nas. From 1999's "Favor For A Favor," 2002's "In Between Us," 2012's "Hip Hop,"... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio