Video Archives

Nick Grant Shows Why The Future Of Hip-Hop Is Far From Mumble Rap (Video)

Last year, Nick Grant made an appearance on the Sway In The Morning show and kicked one of the best freestyles of the year, excluding nobody. He earned his spot after participating in a cypher with CyHi The Prynce, one of the most respected lyricists in the game, and shining... Read more

October 8, 2016 Video

Bruno Mars Channels Zapp To Release The Funk Jam Of The Year (Video)

Though it might not seem like it, it's been 4 years since Bruno Mars released an album. Despite the fact that Unorthodox Jukebox came out in 2012, Mars' presence was felt through a slew of hits from that album that endured well beyond a year after it hit stores. And,... Read more

October 7, 2016 Video

Native Tongues Were Buddies But Were They Really Family? De La Soul Speaks (Video)

Out of all the collectives in Hip-Hop, few are more revered or complicated than Native Tongues. The group of artists was loosely composed of Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Black Sheep, Chi-Ali and others, with several offspring stemming from that core. Over... Read more

October 6, 2016 Video

Method Man Drops A Bulletproof Verse Showing Love To Luke Cage (Video)

Luke Cage has raised the bar for streaming television, literally. After a massive influx of viewers tuned in to watch the series, network servers couldn't handle the traffic, resulting in a sitewide blackout. But ratings aside, the show is making history for other reasons, namely the depiction of unadulterated Blackness... Read more

October 5, 2016 Video

Did Chris Rivers Have The Best Verse Of The 2016 BET Cyphers? (Video)

For many Heads, the handful of cyphers that take place during the BET Hip-Hop Awards telecast are some of the most exciting aspects of the event. This year, fans had plenty to look forward to, with State Property, Dead Prez, Biv & Devoe, and others using 2016 to showcase scorching... Read more

October 5, 2016 Video

Biv & DeVoe Host A BET Cypher With Some New Editions Of Their Empire (Video)

The members of New Edition have been entertaining audiences for nearly 35 years, and they show no signs of slowing down. The group consisting of Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe and, at times Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill has experienced a resurgence in 2016, in anticipation of... Read more

October 5, 2016 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Takes The Hip Hop Awards Stage In A Police Uniform & Uses Deadly Force (Video)

Last month, Big K.R.I.T. unleashed one of the most powerful verses of his career on a song that was not even his own. Joining artist Kenneth Whalum on a remix to his moving "Might Not Be OK," K.R.I.T. raps about the killings by police of unarmed Black civilians that have... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Dead Prez Lead The Most Meaningful BET Cypher Ever. It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop (Video)

Tonight, BET aired its annual Hip Hop Awards. The show honored Snoop Dogg as the recipient of the "I Am Hip-Hop Icon Award," which was presented to him by Kendrick Lamar, and included performances by Gucci Mane, Travis $cott, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Young M.A., Quavo and more. Big... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Freeway, Beanie Sigel & More Made the BET Cypher Their State Property (Video)

With a little help from DJ Premier on the 1s and 2s, Philadelphia's State Property led the charge in a cypher during tonight's (October 4) BET Hip-Hop Awards. Freeway, Peedi Crakk, Neef Buck, and Omillio Sparks each took turns putting on for Philly, but social media was set ablaze with... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

From Geto Boy To Golfing Man: Scarface Takes The Course (Video)

"I can cheat you. I can't cheat that golf course." In a fascinating new look at Scarface, Callaway Golf follows the Houston, Texas rapper as he plays a round of golf. It's a different side of the MC, best known for his incomparable role in not only defining what a... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Common Performs 3 New Songs In An Amazing White House Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

It’s been a busy few days for Common. On Saturday, he crashed The Roots Picnic, and performed a few surprise songs during D’Angelo and John Mayer’s headlining set with The Legendary Roots Crew. Just two days after, he had the privilege of recording a very special version of NPR’s Tiny... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Solange Knowles Finally Has A Seat At The Table. But, Don’t Touch Her Hair (Video)

Solange has never faltered in her musical identity, that of a deeply soulful singer-songwriter whose love for Motown and vocal-harmony groups has been evident since her 2003 debut LP, Solo Star. Though at times her earlier music played as much into the Pop-driven R&B stylings of her older sister Beyoncé's work,... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

La Coka Nostra Declare War With Ski Masks & Hard Rhymes (Video)

La Coka Nostra is readying their third album, To Thine Own Self Be True (November 4). The super-group collective of Slaine, Ill Bill, Danny Boy, and DJ Lethal charge in with "Waging War." The independent Rap mainstays keep a low profile and let their artistry shine. That's true in the... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Common Reveals The Title And Featured Artists On His Next Album (Video)

In the last 25 years, Common's discography is speckled with a number of award-winning, thematic, and cult-championed albums. The MC has evolved from a beer-drinking, slick-talking rhymer into a reflective lyrical poet, to a hit-maker, and cultural symbol of self and external love. It has been more than two years... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & More Takeover The Roots Picnic New York (Video)

This past weekend, The Roots held the first ever New York version of their annual picnic. Pulling out all the stops, they expanded the traditionally one day festival into two days, and built a star-studded lineup. Participating acts included Wu-Tang Clan, D'Angelo, David Byrne, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Swizz Beatz, EPMD,... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Buckshot & DJ Evil Dee Are in the Studio Making New Black Moon Music (Video)

Brooklyn, New York's Black Moon is one of Hip-Hop's most celebrated trios, and one whose contributions to the borough's signature dark and brooding underground sound continue to influence MCs today. Comprised of Buckshot, 5ft and DJ Evil Dee, the Duck Down Music group first appeared with 1992's "Who Got Da... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Token Torches The BET Hip-Hop Cypher While DJ Premier Cuts The Record (Video)

The 2016 Hip Hop Awards are airing on BET on Tuesday, October 4, and with them come the annual Cyphers. While this year's Cypher participants have not yet been announced, several details have surfaced about the show which was taped in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, September 17. Snoop Dogg Is... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

EPMD Take Care Of Business At The Roots Picnic In New York (Video)

This afternoon (October 2), EPMD took the stage at The Roots Picnic in New York and absolutely crushed it. Erick Sermon jokingly remarked that he was only 27 years, while simultaneously noting that he and Parrish Smith had been rocking mics for nearly 30 years. Both their experience and their... Read more

October 2, 2016 Video

The Symphony 2016 ft Kane, G Rap, Royce, Monch, Black Thought, Freeway & More (Video)

This weekend, The Roots hosted their first ever Roots Picnic in New York City. Held in Bryant Park, near Times Square, the two-day affair billed D'Angelo, Wu-Tang Clan, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Swizz Beatz, EPMD, John Mayer, David Byrne, The Jungle Brothers and many more. There were also a number of... Read more

October 2, 2016 Video

Soul On Ice: Ras Kass Reflects On His Groundbreaking Album 20 Years Later (Video)

By all accounts, Ras Kass is one of the most gifted lyricists of all-time. For more than 20 years, Ras Kass has been seizing every opportunity to approach rapping with thoughtfulness, complexity, and message-driven content. Of course, he wasn't the first to do so, and he credits KRS-One and Rakim... Read more

October 1, 2016 Video

Moment Of Truth: Luke Cage’s Gang Starr Episode Titles Revealed (Video)

Today (September 30), marks the premiere of the much anticipated Luke Cage, an episodic series following the Marvel superhero of the same name and starring Mike Colter, Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, and others. For all the waves its making in the world of comic-book fandom, the show has been getting... Read more

September 30, 2016 Video

Skyzoo & Joell Ortiz Look At Some Of The Costs Of A Couple Of Dollars (Video)

Tomorrow (September 30), Apollo Brown and Skyzoo will release their first collaborative album, The Easy Truth. As the Detroit, Michigan producer explained to Ambrosia For Heads this week, the easy truth is what we are all fed, left for us to decipher whether it is truly real or false. One... Read more

September 29, 2016 Food for Thought, Video

Token Explains His Journey As An MC & How Music Saved His Life (Video)

Less than one week ago, Salem, Massachusetts MC Token released his debut project, Eraser Shavings. The 17-track effort featuring production by Nottz, Clinton Sparks, and Jon Glass (among others) arrives just as the lyricist turns 18 years old. Although he is a teenager, this MC is hardly new to the craft.... Read more

September 28, 2016 Exclusive, Video

The Weeknd Is A Shooting Star. He Embraces It In A Daft Punk Assisted Single (Video)

The Weeknd is a comet in the sky. From mixtapes to albums, this two-time Grammy Award winner has captivated Pop music without compromising his own trippy take on R&B. On November 25, the Canadian singer will release his third album, Starboy. The follow-up to last year's #1 Beauty Behind The... Read more

September 28, 2016 Video

De La Soul Performed Their Pete Rock Joint With Help From The Roots (Video)

Anybody who has gotten the chance to watch De La Soul perform live knows the Long Island, New York trio puts on one of the greatest shows in Hip-Hop. More than 25 years after dropping their debut LP 3 Feet High and Rising, Posdnuos, Dave, and Maceo are still able... Read more

September 28, 2016 Video

The New Edition Story Pulls No Punches. This Clip With BBD Throws Them.

To say that New Edition has a cinematic history is an understatement. The Boston, Massachusetts group has had a few high profile personnel shifts, reunions, and plenty of hits in its several carnations. Starting in the late 1970s, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivens, and Ricky Bell formed a singing group on... Read more

September 27, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Syd & Kaytranada Celebrate Love Through the Lens of Classic Black TV & Film (Video)

With the Fall 2016 television season underway and gearing up to showcase more African American faces, perspectives, and writers than ever before, the state of Black T.V. and film is not only promising but truly robust. But that isn't news to Heads, many of whom grew up watching shows like... Read more

September 27, 2016 Video

The Game Disses Meek Mill & Beanie Sigel In Their Own Backyard (Video)

When The Game was at war with former mentor and boss 50 Cent, he was not above the heavy-handed antics. In one mid-2000s DVD, the Compton, California rapper trespassed on 50's Connecticut mansion grounds, and filmed the whole thing (posted below). Game was apparently showing his former G-Unit leader that... Read more

September 27, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Allegedly Attacked For Saying He Wrote Lyrics For Meek Mill’s Game Diss Record (Video)

Just over one week ago, Beanie Sigel made his way into the beef between The Game and Meek Mill. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania veteran appeared alongside Meek and Dream Chasers affiliate Omelly's in their their reply to Game's "92 Bars" diss, rapping over Young. M.A.'s "Ooouuu." Beanie Sigel spit just a handful... Read more

September 26, 2016 Video

Rahzel Provides Jewels On The History & Evolution Of Beatboxing (Video)

Rahzel The Godfather of Noyze has become one of the household names for beatboxing. The New Yorker and onetime member of The Roots has worked with a range of artists including Erykah Badu, Ben Harper, Common, Rakim, Everlast, and Sean Paul, among many others. With more than 20 years of... Read more

September 26, 2016 Video

Big Daddy Kane Releases His Best Verse In A Decade. He Still Kills At Will (Video)

In February of this year, Joell Ortiz and producer Domingo released the song, "Kill At Will." The standout track, with its Big Daddy Kane "Set It Off" cut-in at the chorus, is included on the That's Hip Hop album. The single showcased a hungry, fresh-faced MC Token, who had previously... Read more

September 26, 2016 Video

Plenty MCs Have Made Artistic & Personal Comeback Songs. Slaine’s Is Different. (Video)

Slaine released his comeback EP this weekend, Slaine Is Dead. Recorded amidst a fight for sobriety and other personal improvements, the veteran Boston, Massachusetts MC and actor heard about his absence. The La Coka Nostra member released the video for the title track—set in a graveyard. Up against the wall... Read more

September 25, 2016 Video

The Game Lists His Top 3 Los Angeles Lyricists Of All-Time (Video)

The Game joined The Breakfast Club on Friday (9/23) for an extended conversation. There ostensibly to promote his forthcoming album, 1992, he spent the vast majority of his time discussing his current beef with Meek Mill, including vast details about its genesis, the making of his scathing "Pest Control" diss,... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

Chuck D Explains How Public Enemy #1 Was Made & Got Them Signed To Def Jam

Public Enemy has a litany of power-packed jams. 1987's "Public Enemy #1" is one of the singles that showcased the Long Island, New York collective as something different—in vocals, production, and command. Appearing in "Once Upon A Rhyme" for B-Real TV, Chuck D gives his Prophets Of Rage band-mate's platform... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

Watch The Making Of The Mural That Immortalizes A Tribe Called Quest In Queens, NY (Video)

Today marks the 25th anniversary of A Tribe Called Quest releasing their album, The Low End Theory. The group's second LP, often considered their master work, was released on September 24, 1991—changing the musical landscape around it ever since In a 2016 that has tragically lost group co-founder Phife Dawg to... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

Killer Mike Tells Blacks Don’t Talk About Revolution Because “You Ain’t Ready To Revolt” (Video)

Over the last few years Killer Mike has emerged as one of the most potent voices of the people, particularly African-Americans and the disenfranchised. He gained a national platform after the killing of Michael Brown by officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, MO, as he simultaneously conveyed the outrage of many... Read more

September 23, 2016 Video

Redman Keeps It All The Way Real On “Wus Really Hood” (Video)

For the entirety of his 25+ year career, Redman has been nothing, if not all the way real. The Newark, NJ native has never put on airs or changed who he is for anyone, whether it be radio, record companies or MTV. Last year, Redman spoke in depth with Combat... Read more

September 23, 2016 Video

Murda Mook Smothers The Mic In This Head-Hunting 9 Minute Freestyle (Video)

Murda Mook can downright destroy microphones when asked. The Harlem, New Yorker and onetime Ruff Ryders member is nice with the ring of Battle Rap. However, without an opponent, the MC that's worked with Sean Price and LL Cool J is simply a standout lyricist. Appearing alongside Funkmaster Flex at... Read more

September 23, 2016 Video

Joe Budden’s By Law Gives Other MC’s The Right To Remain Silent (Video)

Joe Budden has said that he wants the rhymes (and beats) to be front-and-center on his Rage & The Machine album (October 21). So for the video to sophomore single "By Law," it is all about simple-yet-effective. The visuals match the energy of the music and, in a sense, the... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

Common & Stevie Wonder’s Snapshot of Black America Is Raw & Uncut (Video)

Common's 2014 album Nobody's Smiling not only signified a reforged musical partnership with producer No I.D., but also a concept record inspired by Chicago. The MC's hometown continues to be plagued by skyrocketing rates of gun violence, and while it manages to be a hotbed for vibrant talent including Chance... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

Here’s What Nas Would Say If He Could Go Back in Time to Stop Tupac & Biggie’s Beef (Video)

Celebrated sports columnist Bill Simmons recently hosted Nas on his weekly HBO talk-show series, the cleverly titled "Any Given Wednesday." In their discussions, the two discussed far more than the rapper's interest in sports and the host's interest in Rap, and along with fellow guests Kevin Durant and Vince Staples,... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

The Game Freestyle Battles With His Alleged Ghostwriter & Smashes It (Video)

It's been a busy week for The Game. In addition to preparing for the release of his forthcoming eighth album, 1992, he has been embroiled in a bitter feud with Meek Mill. So far, their beef has generated three hard-hitting diss records, a barrage of social media attacks, and involvement... Read more

September 21, 2016 Video

Joey Purp & Chance The Rapper Make A Def Jam Like Back In The Day (Video)

Chicago, Illinois artist Joey Purp is having a banner year in 2016. His iiiDrops project is the latest in a series of Windy City freebies that balances substance, swagger, and a lot of originality. He releases one of the effort's standouts as a visual, the Chance The Rapper-assisted "Girls." While... Read more

September 21, 2016 Video

“8 Mile” Director Curtis Hanson Has Passed Away. Eminem Reflects In Statement.

The director of Eminem's semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile has died. Curtis Hanson, who orchestrated the acting on the 2002 film, was 71 years old. He died of natural causes in his Los Angeles, California residence yesterday (September 20) according to the Los Angeles Times. Beyond the Battle Rap film, Hanson... Read more

September 21, 2016 News, TV/Film

The Roots Use Ghostface Killah’s Music To Signal Hillary Clinton Is “Mighty Healthy” (Video)

Throughout their tenure on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" (and previously, "Late Night..."), The Roots have had fun with their musical post. Band leader Questlove, Black Thought, Tuba Gooding, Jr., Captain Kirk Douglas and the rest of the crew have jammed with some incredible musicians, partook in more than... Read more

September 20, 2016 TV, TV/Film, Video

The Force M.D.’s Tell Their Story In One Of Trisco’s Last Interviews (Video)

Last week, Force M.D.'s member Trisco Pearson passed away (September 16) after a public battle with cancer. The veteran singer was an integral part of a Staten Island, New York collective that pioneered the Hip-Hop and R&B hybrid in its melodic harmonizing, beat-boxing, and rapping. That group has an interesting... Read more

September 20, 2016 Video

M.O.P.’s Billy Danze Takes His Message From Brownsville To The White House (Video)

After more than 20 years of M.O.P., Billy Danze has made the strongest solo statement of his career. "6 O'Clock Briefing" is a directional shift for the co-founder of Mash Out Possé, and First Family member. Known for speaking bluntly to the streets, the Brooklyn, New Yorker wants a meeting... Read more

September 20, 2016 Video

Michel’le’s Biopic Shows Her Being Abused By Dr. Dre & Her Relationship With Suge Knight (Video)

Despite its commercial success and critical acclaim, N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton also drew criticism for some of the misogyny seen in the film, as well as that which was withheld. In particular, there was a renewed focus on Dr. Dre's past abuse of women. As a result, in August... Read more

September 18, 2016 TV, Video

Fabolous Reveals Jay Z Gave Him One Of His Biggest Hits (Video)

As two of Brooklyn's finest MCs, there are a lot of parallels between Fabolous and Jay Z. Besides the borough that birthed them, their similar flows, fashion and laid-back styles were a potential recipe for a rivalry. Instead the men have enjoyed a kinship over the years, even collaborating on... Read more

September 18, 2016 Video

After Years Of Staying True To Himself, Skyzoo Remains Realer Than Most (Video)

Skyzoo is an MC whose music basks in reality. The Brooklyn, New Yorker may flirt with well-executed concepts (such as being Jay Z's enemy's son in a "Friend Or Foe" update) or paying deep respects to Spike Lee, but at his core, S-K-Y raps about his life uncompromisingly. This week,... Read more

September 17, 2016 Video