Video Archives

Ice Cube’s BIG3 Theme Song Shows He’s Still Trouble On The Court & The Mic (Video)

June 2017 is one busy month for Ice Cube. After re-releasing his Death Certificate album with three new songs, the media mogul is prepared to begin the inaugural season of BIG3 basketball. Fresh out of the booth from those new recordings, Cube gives Allen Iverson, Gary Payton, coach "Dr. J"... Read more

June 19, 2017 Video

A Harvard Student Made A Rap Album Thesis. Sway Puts Him To The Test (Video)

Last month, Obasi Shaw graduated from Harvard University. For his thesis, the English major submitted a 10-track Hip-Hop album, Liminal Minds. He wrote and recorded the album for more than a year. Shaw's resulting work tackled the issue of what it means for a young man to be Black in... Read more

June 19, 2017 Video

Chris Rivers Updates Brenda’s Got A Baby For A Soulful Ode To Single Mothers (Video)

On the crowded subway platforms of New York City, the sight of a mother carrying her child's stroller up flights of stairs is commonplace. It's but one example of the many hardships women face while raising a child with little or no help. In his latest video, Chris Rivers -... Read more

June 17, 2017 Video

An Argument For Why Black Thought Is The Greatest MC Of All Time (Video)

For almost 25 years, Black Thought has been putting his raspy voiced verses to record. The constant MC for The Roots crew has made a dozen albums, seemingly performed as much as any Rap artist, and is now typically on television five nights per week. More than just simply hard... Read more

June 17, 2017 Exclusive, Food for Thought, TBD, Video

President Obama Inducts JAY-Z As The First MC In The Songwriters Hall Of Fame (Video)

Last night (June 15), Jay Z was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. The first MC or Rap artist to receive the honors was not in attendance for the Manhattan ceremony. He and wife Beyoncé are presently awaiting twins. However, Jay's acceptance speech was replaced with other types of... Read more

June 16, 2017 News, Video

ONYX May Have Never Slammed If They Weren’t Stuck In Traffic With Jam Master Jay (Video)

Run-D.M.C.'s Jam Master Jay was instrumental in the development of fellow Queens, New York Hip-Hop group ONYX. Later on, Jay would ink Jayo Felony and 50 Cent, but no artist experienced more success on JMJ Records than Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz and company. Jay signed ONYX and secured the Def... Read more

June 15, 2017 Video

Cypress Hill’s 1st Album In 7 Years Puts DJ Muggs Back In Heavy Rotation (Video)

In the 1990s, many celebrated Hip-Hop groups had in-house DJ/producers. Just consider acts like Gang Starr, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Naughty By Nature, N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, Main Source, and Digital Underground. Cypress Hill is another prime example, with DJ Muggs cooking up tracks for B-Real and Sen Dog to... Read more

June 15, 2017 Video

Remy Ma Says Papoose Did Not Write “SHEther.” Do You Believe Her? (Video)

For more than half of 2017, Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj have been beefing on wax. The two New York City veteran MCs have attacked one another in a litany of ways: from plastic surgery accusations to jabs at family members to poking fun at first week album sales. What... Read more

June 15, 2017 Video

Snoop Details How He Recruited An All-Star Cast Of 70s Black Actors For “Doggy Dogg World” (Video)

On the latest GGN episode hosted by Snoop Dogg, Jidenna joins Tha Doggfather to break down his style and influences. As a result, Jidenna is also treated to an account of the making of one of Snoop's most memorable music videos. This part of the conversation starts around 16:00. When... Read more

June 14, 2017 Video

Slick Rick May Still Be Hip-Hop’s Best Storyteller. A New Video Explains Why.

Slick Rick's most recent album was The Art of Storytelling. That was 1999. However, Ricky Walters' place in Hip-Hop may very well be cemented. The British-born, Bronx-raised MC was part of a class that literally captivated the listener through verses. Beyond a series of cool lines, the Def Jam Records... Read more

June 14, 2017 Video

2 Chainz Shows He Has Freestyle Fire In His DNA As He Rips Kendrick’s Hit (Video)

Though an immensely successful rapper with six Grammy nominations (and one win), six Platinum (or better) selling singles, and even more juggernaut appearances as a featured guest on some of Rap's hottest records, 2 Chainz isn't a rapper whose name immediately comes up when discussing the best freestylers in the... Read more

June 14, 2017 Video

Vic Mensa Says He Will Slap MCs Who Say They Are Better Than Tupac (Video)

Vic Mensa freestyles are as dynamic as the Roc Nation MC's song-making. Following his new EP, The Manuscript the Save Money MC hits Los Angeles, California's Power 106 FM. There, before the L.A. Leakers, Vic finesses a freestyle flow over Prodigy's "Keep It Thoro." Vic Mensa’s Freestyle Causes Sway To... Read more

June 13, 2017 Video

Rick Ross Wages War On Birdman For Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled & Mannie Fresh (Video)

Rick Ross is no stranger to beefs. Over the years, the embattled MC has been a target of 50 Cent, street gangs, critics and countless fans who questioned the veracity of his claimed crime boss past. Amidst it all, Ross has developed a teflon demeanor and learned to wield his... Read more

June 13, 2017 Video

How Laurence Fishburne & Spike Lee Are Tied To Grandmaster Flash’s “White Lines” Video

Writer and director Ernest Dickerson, perhaps best known for his 1992 directorial debut Juice, worked extensively with Spike Lee in the 1980s and ’90s as his cinematographer. Together, they created a myriad of important films like She’s Gotta Have It, Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X. Sitting down with... Read more

June 13, 2017 Throwback, Video

Nas & Jack White Take One Mic And Add A Bass, Piano & Drums (Video)

Over the course of Nas' storied career, he has made few songs more urgent and emotional than "One Mic." The single, released from 2001's Stillmatic, samples Phil Collins' cinematic "In The Air Tonight," and maintains the same drama and tension of that record. In each verse, Nas starts out with... Read more

June 13, 2017 Video

5 Years After “1999,” Joey Bada$$ Is Still Fighting To Restore New York’s Place In Hip-Hop (Video)

Today (June 12) is the fifth anniversary of Joey Bada$$' releasing his 1999 mixtape. The Brooklyn, New York MC used that opportunity to make a powerful impression on Hip-Hop. Starting with debut video single "Survival Tactics," featuring Capital STEEZ, he brought a colorful crew and retro style with him. In... Read more

June 12, 2017 Video

Snoop Televises The Revolution On The Most Political Song Of His Career (Video)

Snoop Dogg recently released his Neva Left album. However, the always busy Doggfather isn't quite done promoting last year's Coolaid either. "Revolutions" is a Just Blaze-produced track that is among Snoop's most political work, in a season where he's been speaking up. The music video attempts to convey that, chronicling... Read more

June 12, 2017 Video

AZ, Raekwon & Prodigy Show That Rhymes Are Like Life Or Death To Great MCs (Video)

In April, AZ released a powerful collaboration alongside Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Mobb Deep's Prodigy. "Save Them" was guttural East Coast Rap, produced by D.I.T.C. member Buckwild. These three MCs proved that they've been able to stay sharp, make incredible product, and never compromise from who they said they were... Read more

June 12, 2017 Video

MC Eiht Takes It Straight To Compton Right When It’s Most Wanted (Video)

This month, MC Eiht is preparing to release a deeply important album in his career. For nearly 30 years, the Compton's Most Wanted front man has released a plethora of music chronicling life in the gang-ruled streets of Southern California. Whether on a major label or independently, Eiht hit fans... Read more

June 12, 2017 Video

One MC Seamlessly Flips 27 Different Rap Styles In 8 Minutes (Video)

Mac Lethal makes the art of rapping seem quite fun. A onetime Rhymesayers member, the Kansas City, Missouri lyricist has worked with Tech N9ne, Chamillionaire, Cunninlynguists and others throughout a career that's nearly 20 years deep. Quite often, Mac finds the humor and challenge in Rap, without compromising his supreme... Read more

June 11, 2017 Video

2 Years After PumpkinHead Passed, A New Video Highlights His Undying Wisdom

On June 9, 2015 Robert "PumpkinHead" Diaz died. The Brooklyn, New Yorker had risen the ranks as a battle MC and was well underway into a discography that showed personal depth and creativity. His Rawkus Records-involved Orange Moon Over Brooklyn album with producer Marco Polo was a tremendous late entry... Read more

June 10, 2017 Video

Ice Cube Asks Bill Maher Why He Thought He Could Use The N-Word (Video)

Last night (June 9), Ice Cube appeared as a guest on Bill Maher's program, Real Time. Generally, his appearance on the show alone wouldn't necessarily be newsworthy, but in the wake of Maher's current scandal, the Amerikkka's Most Wanted rapper's presence on this week's episode is particularly notable. Last week, while interviewing Senator... Read more

June 10, 2017 Lifestyle, TV, TV/Film

Ice Cube Shows 3 Decades Of Police Brutality & It’s Not Just White Cops (Video)

On June 9, Ice Cube released the 25th anniversary edition of Death Certificate. Featuring three freshly recorded songs, O'Shea Jackson adds to one of his most critically acclaimed bodies of work with some verses that truly fit his '91 message. That is never more true than on "Good Cop Bad... Read more

June 9, 2017 Video

Chuck D Tells Kool Moe Dee That Spike Lee Did For Public Enemy What Radio Wouldn’t (Video)

Kool Moe Dee is one of the first Hip-Hop solo stars. As Public Enemy's Chuck D points out, Kool Moe Dee went from one third of the Treacherous 3 MCs to a Jive Records soloist, complete with hits, battle beefs, and a career that went from the 1970s into the... Read more

June 9, 2017 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

De La Soul’s Latest Album Produces Another Video With A Dramatic Reveal At The End

It is approaching a year since De La Soul's ...and the Anonymous Nobody album released. In the time since, there have been Grammy nominations, peaks on the Rap charts, and a plethora of talking points for the album crowd-funded by Da.I.S.Y. Heads back in 2015. De La Soul Make A Quirky... Read more

June 9, 2017 Video

Illa J Welcomes Listeners Into His & J Dilla’s Childhood Home (Video)

Detroit, Michigan’s own Illa J, younger brother of J Dilla, is dropping his third solo studio album Home on Jakarta Records later this month. He has released a fittingly personal video for the project’s title track, shot on the steps of the Yancey boys’ childhood home. Illa J’s Latest is... Read more

June 8, 2017 Video

Kemba Shows Exactly Why He’s Cosigned By Kendrick In “Caesar’s Rise” (Video)

Bronx, New York-bred rapper Kemba, a staple of the city’s Hip-Hop scene, changed his name from former moniker YC The Cynic to release his Negus album last year. More than just an aesthetic decision, his reintroduction symbolized a shift in his musical direction. When Kendrick Lamar pulled him up onstage... Read more

June 8, 2017 Video

Tha Outlawz Say Tupac Declared His Beef With Biggie Was Over Shortly Before He Died (Video)

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the last days of Tupac Shakur. There are reports that the superstar rapper had short term plans to squash his beefs, unite the nation's Hip-Hop community, and help mentor an army of other artists. Last Fall, actor Bokeem Woodbine told The... Read more

June 7, 2017 Video

Nocando Goes On A Rap Rampage. He Honors A Freestyle Legend Along The Way (Video)

Throughout the 2010s, Nocando has been one of the most interesting MCs making noise in the West Coast independent Hip-Hop scene. Claiming to have won more than 100 battles, this MC was mentored by members of the Freestyle Fellowship and Project Blowed. However, the Los Angeles, California native is well... Read more

June 7, 2017 Video

The Original Ending To “Juice” Shows Bishop Choosing His Own Destiny (Video)

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Juice. The film, which starred Omar Epps, Jermaine Hopkins, Khalil Kain, and Tupac Shakur, in his debut role, became an instant classic, both for its gritty portrayals and its high-powered soundtrack, which featured the likes of Eric B. & Rakim,... Read more

June 6, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Kevin Hart Gets Real About His Past Substance Abuse & It’s No Joke (Video)

Kevin Hart is one of the most recognized comedians and actors on the planet. Much of that success has come from Hart's ability to be self-deprecating and poke fun at traits within himself, physical and otherwise. Appearing on The Breakfast Club, Kevin made the hosts laugh as he discussed his... Read more

June 6, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

TLC & Snoop Dogg Take It Way Back For The Group’s 1st Video In 14 Years

As T-Boz sings on TLC's recent single, "Way Back," it's been a long, long time comin' for the legendary group's return. With Chilli in tow, the iconic group will release the long-awaited album first announced in 2016 later this month. In April, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas delighted... Read more

June 6, 2017 Video

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

Method Man Is Releasing The Meth Lab 2. He Recruits Dave East To Cook With Him (Video)

After a relatively quiet 2016, Method Man has started off 2017 on a tear. He has appeared on six songs in as many months, and even signed on to co-host a Rap battle show titled Drop The Mic. Now, it appears Meth is gearing up to release a sequel to... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

Nick Grant Shows Musicality & Lyricism Live Strong In Hip-Hop In His Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

Much of the well-deserved acclaim surrounding rapper Nick Grant's steady rise in Hip-Hop relates to the South Carolina MC's high-energy delivery and live performances. He recently tore down showcases at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, and his January appearance as the musical guest on The Late Show with... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

25 Years Ago Today Kid ‘n Play Switched It Up For Class Act (Video)

While Kid 'n Play's Hip-Hop career dates back to 1987's Select Records breakout "Last Night," the '90s would be their definitive decade. Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin brought their showmanship to film, in a big way. In 1990, the pair were incredibly busy. In addition to a self-titled... Read more

June 5, 2017 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

ScHoolboy Q Explains What It Would Take For A Black Hippy Album To Happen (Video)

ScHoolboy Q conducted a recent interview with Montreality. Within the conversation, the Los Angeles, California MC discusses his affinity for '90s wrestling and details of his awkward "first time." However, at the 5:30 mark, Q makes some interesting points when asked about the potential of a Black Hippy album. "Everybody... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

Killer Mike Says Blacks Have Bigger Problems Than Bill Maher (Video)

This weekend's episode of Real Time With Bill Maher will go down in history as one of the veteran, Emmy-nominated talk show's most memorable episodes. However, the former host of Politically Incorrect was just that when he used the n-word, referring to himself in a conversation with Nebraska Senator Ben... Read more

June 4, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

A 6-Year Old Boy Makes A Plea To End Violence. Pusha T Responds With A Letter & A Check (Video)

Pusha T is often respected for his ruthless lyrics. The member of Clipse, Re-Up Gang, and G.O.O.D. Music has amassed a catalog of hits illustrating the grind of the streets, with an over-arching desire for change. For every "D.D.A.," there's a "Sunshine," with both sides usually presented with advanced deliveries... Read more

June 3, 2017 News, Video

Regina King Aims To Make Dana Dane’s “Cinderfella” Into A Film

Veteran Brooklyn, New York MC Dana Dane is revered as one of Hip-Hop's pioneering storytellers. Along with Slick Rick, Ice-T, Kool G Rap, Dane represented a mid-1980s crop of MCs who used their words to create expanded narratives that grabbed listeners. A member of the Kangol Crew, one of Dana... Read more

June 3, 2017 TV/Film

Kool G Rap, Termanology & Saigon Show They Can Outrun Life’s Biggest Obstacles (Video)

Kool G Rap has just released Return of the Don, and the Juice Crew legend's triumphant return to his solo career does not disappoint. For more than three decades, the Queens, New York MC has remained an influence on any rapper who values complexity of structure and innovation in flow (whether... Read more

June 2, 2017 Video

Big Boi, Killer Mike & Jeezy Are 2017 Atliens On “Kill Jill” (Video)

Big Boi's Boomiverse arrives later this month, and with it come some formidable collabs. On "Kill Jill," the second single from the Outkast MC's first solo LP since 2012's Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, Killer Mike and Jeezy join forces with Daddy Fat Sax for a Quentin Tarantino-inspired record starring... Read more

June 2, 2017 Video

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Will Not Silently Watch The World Go To Hell (Video)

The Prophets Of Rage took 2016 by storm. A new chapter in the careers of Chuck D, B-Real, P.E.'s DJ Lord, and three-fourths of Rage Against The Machine was welcomed by fans of Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, Funk, and simply lovers of woke messages. Following last year's The Party's Over EP,... Read more

June 1, 2017 Video

9th Wonder Releases 7 Beats Custom Made For Redman. It’s Time 4 Sum Aksion!! (Audio)

Redman's classic catalog includes some heavy-hitting producers. With a lot of co-production to his credit, Red' made many of his most celebrated hits with Def Squad mentor Erick Sermon. RZA, Pete Rock, Parrish Smith, DJ Scratch, and Rockwilder (who made a critical early appearance on Dare Iz A Darkside) are... Read more

June 1, 2017 Audio, Video

Joe Budden & Charlamagne Battle Over L.A. Reid’s Sexual Assault Allegations (Video)

The business side of Hip-Hop was shaken up earlier this month with Antonio "L.A." Reid's swift dismissal at Epic Records. Stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted an assistant at the record label, Reid's departure ignited heated debate from the industry's biggest talking heads, including two of the most outspoken -... Read more

May 31, 2017 Video

Kanye West Or Shakespeare: Who Is More Relevant Right Now? (Video)

One made Hamlet, and one made "H•A•M." William Shakespeare and Kanye West may appear to be very different kinds of artists. However, both creators (one an author and playwright, the other an MC, producer, and designer) greatly shaped the popular culture of their times. Across centuries, mediums, and more, both... Read more

May 31, 2017 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar Has Gucci Mane’s Head Hanging From A Mirror In The “Perfect Pint” Video

Kendrick Lamar will not allow himself to be put in a box. In his early days, he was seen as an underground rapper, willing to take on his entire peer group with his ferocious bars. When he released his major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Kendrick was transformed into... Read more

May 30, 2017 Video

Ras Kass Spits Dragon Fire In His “Game Of Thrones” Season 6 Recap (Video)

Over the last 6 years, few television shows have captured the cultural Zeitgeist like HBO's Game Of Thrones. In fact, the epic drama that was adapted from fantasy novels created by George R. R. Martin has grown into the number 1 show on pay television, the lone series preventing 50 Cent's... Read more

May 30, 2017 Video

Mr. Lif & Akrobatik Are Reuniting As The Perceptionists. A Short Film Shows Their Journey (Video)

El-P's Definitive Jux Records introduced a number of talented MCs and producers. While Mr. Lif had been on wax dating back to the mid-1990s, the Boston, Massachusetts-based MC released Def Jux's first expanded project, care of 2000's Enters The Colossus EP. Lif would remain a Jukie for much of the... Read more

May 30, 2017 Video

Redman Is Working HARD On Muddy Waters 2 & It Sounds Like Fire (Video)

For Redman fans, Muddy Waters 2, the sequel to his beloved 1996 album, is starting to take on a lore rivaling mythic albums like Dr. Dre's now-scrapped Detox, and Jay Electroncia's debut album. Redman teased the album, back in 2013, and even released a prelude mixtape. Now, nearly 4 years... Read more

May 29, 2017 Video