Video Archives

Earl Sweatshirt & BadBadNotGood Reunite For a Televised Live Performance (Video)

While on tour to promote his new album, I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside, Earl Sweatshirt stopped by the Jimmy Kimmel Live show to perform alongside Canadian Jazz band BadBadNotGood. Earl & BBNG have previously collaborated on the song "Hoarse," off 2013's Doris, but this rare performance together... Read more

May 14, 2015 Video

Vince Staples’ Long Beach Transforms Into A Metaphoric Apocalypse (Video)

Vince Staples has made several enduring videos already, in his short career. For the Snoh Aalegra-assisted "Senorita," the two No I.D. proteges raise the stakes like never before. The Summertime '06 (June 30) look feels like something out of a '90s Soundgarden visual—only its world is the Long Beach City.... Read more

May 13, 2015 Video

Adore The Soothing Soul Of Sam And Bobby? Try Leon Bridges (Video)

In nearly every genre of music, it's popular to go back to the future. Whether its the early days of Bluegrass, the Slab music of Houston, or the 1970s L.A. music scene, the past is playing an important role in informing the sensibilities of new music. Somewhere in the delta... Read more

May 12, 2015 Video

Why Are Women Excluded From the Conversation About Hip-Hop’s Greatest MCs? (Video)

Like nearly everything in life, Rap is co-ed. From the beginning, women have been among the world’s most innovative MCs. They have the ability to offer fresh perspectives to a field often dominated by men. However, rarely, in the debates surrounding the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history do women get... Read more

May 12, 2015 Video

Raekwon & Snoop Dogg Are Still B-Boys, Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Elements (Video)

Raekwon and Snoop Dogg may be in Rap's ruling elite. However, these early 1990s alums still capture the music as they fell in love with it. "1,2 1,2" is a standout moment from The Chef's just-released F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art). Produced by Get Busy Committee's Scoop Deville, the Isaac... Read more

May 11, 2015 Video

Mystikal & Mark Ronson’s New Visual is Kinda Wrong…But It Feels Right (Video)

In the days when networks were still havens for the music video, it took a lot to command rotation. These days, visuals live online—where they also live forever. In that school of thought, artists often tend to favor quantity over quality, knowing that a view is a view. Mark Ronson,... Read more

May 11, 2015 Video

Blueprint’s Writing & His Range Are Why He Is A King Without A Crown (Video)

Columbus, Ohio MC/producer Blueprint just released King, No Crown on his own Weightless label. The Soul Position/Greenhouse member is one of the enduring figures of the late '90s, early 2000s Underground Hip-Hop glory days. Still, while some of 'Print's close associates (RJD2, Slug) have garnered mainstream recognition and strong commercial... Read more

May 10, 2015 Video

Fashawn Takes An Above The Law Classic & Hits Freestyle Switches (Video)

Fashawn stopped by Tim Westwood's crib to freestyle. The mainstay British DJ knew just what to hit Fash' with. Beginning with Above The Law's "Black Superman," the Mass Appeal Records artist gets to work. Finding his own G-Funk lyrics, the Fresno, California MC seems to come off the dome in... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Claim They Are Often Misunderstood In New Single (Video)

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Heads know that the Cleveland, Ohio collective began as B.O.N.E. Enterpri$e. One of Rap music's greatest ears for talent, Eazy-E, suggested a name-change somewhere before 1994's Creepin' On Ah Come Up. Somehow, even in the 20 years since Eric Wright's death, "Bone Thugs-N-Harmony" seems to be the perfect... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Eddie Murphy Returns With Protest Reggae, Inspired By Difficult Headlines (Video)

Eddie Murphy may have avoided the spotlight to humor the masses during this spring's "SNL40" special appearance. However, the iconic comedian/actor wastes no time getting back to one of his other loves, music. The former Columbia and Motown Records singer continues his journey into Reggae with "Oh Jah Jah." The... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Questlove Goes On A Quest For Musical Culture In Cuba (Video)

Questlove performed in Cuba this past month a couple days after President Obama's meeting with Raul Castro at the Summit of The Americas in Panama. A video, "Quest For Cuba" shows The Roots drummer/producer/DJ exploring the many horizons of Cuban music in the capital city of Havana. The music veteran was there DJ'ing... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Tish Is the First Woman MC to Do the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. She CRUSHES It (Video)

Tish Hyman is a rare talent who is on the verge of exploding. The Bronx, NY artist is one of the select few who is equally and supremely gifted at both rapping and singing. Her single, "Subway Art," showcases the latter more heavily, but do not be fooled. As an... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

The eMC Take It To Brazilian Streets With Diamond D Funk (Video)

If you listened to the theme of 2008's The Show, you know that The eMC is worldwide. Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Stricklin are well-received overseas, given their energetic live shows and slick routines. For "The Monologue," the trio strolls up the narrow streets of Favela do Sussego, Grajau, São Paulo,... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Can An MC Be Considered The Greatest of All-Time After 5 Years? This Short Film Says YES (Video)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?” The nostalgia effect is a strong one in Hip-Hop, and causes us not only to look back with optimistic revision, but also, at times, prevents us from embracing the greatness of late. It is not uncommon to hear someone argue... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Ras Kass Salutes The O.G.’s Of Hip-Hop (Video)

Southern California veteran Ras Kass celebrates his 20-plus-year run in "So OG." As the West Coast Rap mainstay reminisces over a laid-back lavish beat, several critical figures of the 1990s Hip-Hop scene appear in the form of VHS footage. This gives the viewer the impression they are watching a Rap... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT: Who Is the Greatest MC Of All-Time & Why Do We Care? (Video)

Chances are, if you are a Hip-Hop fan, at some point in your life, you've been embroiled in a conversation about who is Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT) MC. Whether it was in a lunch room, on a school bus, in a barber shop or in a board room, there... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

De La Soul Explain Their Criteria For What Makes a Great MC. Do You Agree? (Video)

Many have opinions about what criteria makes a great MC, but few have the credentials to back them up like De La Soul. As Hip-Hop survivors and thrivers for more than 20 years, Posdnuous, Dave and Maseo are among Rap's most influential artists, and when they speak, Heads listen. As... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

The Original Jedi Mind Tricks Lineup Reunites In This Dark Visual (Video)

Jedi Mind Tricks have reunited and are gearing up to release their eighth album, The Thief and the Fallen on their Enemy Soil label on June 2, 2015. This album will see original JMT members Vinnie Paz & Stoupe The Enemy of Mankind working together for the first time since... Read more

May 5, 2015 Video

Q-Tip & The Chemical Brothers Still Know How to Make the Party Get Up and GO (Video)

As an MC, a DJ, and as a producer, Q-Tip knows how to inject the rhythm into the people. The Abstract is quite concrete in his ability to exterminate wallflowers, making grooves, melodies, and choruses that send everybody to the dance-floor. Tip was called upon by The Chemical Brothers for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Yasiin Bey Explains His New Creative Process and Worldview in Detail (Video)

Yasiin Bey is a true creative anomaly. The artist formerly known as Mos Def spent the late 1990s and early 2000s churning out material, basking in the collaborative spirit, and touring relentlessly. The world responded, and the onetime Brooklyn, New York underground MC garnered gold plaques, Top 5 debuts, and... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Chris Rivers’ Latest Visual Examines The Battle for Greatness (Video)

As Heads may know, New York MC Chris Rivers is an avid boxer and is just as passionate about the sport as he is about his music. He participated in the 2014 Golden Gloves and has a goal of becoming heavyweight boxing champion of the world someday. The visual for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

One 1990s NYC Underground Hip-Hop Outfit Drops First Visual In Years (Video)

For vinyl-buying fans of 1990s New York City street Rap, Tru Criminal Records was a trusted imprint. Whether the early days of Tonedeff or underground veteran F.T. (a/k/a Fuc That), the label believed in lesser-known acts, and gave them the shine to get heard. F.T.'s group, Street Smartz was a... Read more

May 3, 2015 Video

Lauryn Hill Sends Out a Short & Sweet Serenade to the People of Nigeria (Video)

Lauryn Hill was recently scheduled to perform in Lagos, Nigeria, but due to unforeseen circumstances was forced to cancel her trip. While Hill promised she would make it there as soon as she could, she sent out a short and sweet special message to the people of Nigeria. In a... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

20 Years Later…Mobb Deep Are Still Crushing Mics. Watch This Freestyle (Video)

As Mobb Deep celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their album The Infamous, Prodigy and Havoc make a pit stop at Tim Westwood TV while in the UK. As is customary, Westwood has the duo kick a Crib Session Freestyle and he cues up The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Going Back to... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

N.O.R.E. Speaks For the First Time on Squashing His Beef With Nas (Video)

While being known as one Rap's lighter personalities, N.O.R.E. (f/k/a Noreaga) has had his share of rifts. From Nas to Prodigy, Cormega to partner Capone, the Lefrak City, Queens MC has had cold periods with several of his closest associates. Speaking with Doggie Diamonds TV, the onetime Def Jam Records... Read more

May 1, 2015 Video

Lupe Fiasco’s Visual Is 9 Years Late, But Right On Time (Video)

Part of what made Lupe Fiasco's 2006 Food & Liquor debut such a captivating album was its insightfulness. Although never an official single, "Just Might Be Okay" was a grabbing album cut. The Gemstones-assisted (t/k/a Gemini) joint was an examination of where Lu' was at with his career in the... Read more

May 1, 2015 Video

Nina Simone’s Career, Activism, & Fiery Spirit Examined In New Documentary (Video)

Although Nina Simone only had one single enter the Top 40 (1959's "I Loves You, Porgy"), the iconic singer, songwriter, and political figure has demonstrated impact on music and culture that transcends the charts. The Tryon, North Carolina native, who died in 2003, is the subject of a new documentary... Read more

May 1, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Wale Marches With Baltimore High School, Urges Media To Look Closer (Video)

This week has brought global news out of Baltimore, Maryland. The April 19, 2015 death of Freddie Gray, a 25 year-old local man who suffered a severed spinal cord while in police custody, before dying one week later has raised great concern, outcry, and debate surrounding the Baltimore Police Department. Gray’s... Read more

April 30, 2015 Video

Take a Tour of Moscow With DJ Premier (Video)

Hip-Hop has taken DJ Premier a long way from his hometown of Prairie View, Texas. The iconic producer recently traveled to Moscow for a DJ gig and decided to share it with his fans. Throughout the video, Preemo was deeply thankful for Hip-Hop and the life journey it's allowed him... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Mannie Fresh Recalls Big Tymin’ With First Check, DMX’s Dog Fancy (Video)

Mannie Fresh may be a lover of flaunting jewels, cars, and even helicopters on some of his album covers and in older videos. However, the New Orleans, Louisiana icon and Bounce music pioneer had some humble beginnings. In a recent interview, he reflected on how the music industry has evolved,... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Whatever Happened to That Jay Z & Raekwon Collaboration? Raekwon Speaks (Video)

Back in May of 2013, a photo of Jay Z and Raekwon in the studio leaked and set the Internet ablaze. The instagram photo was released prior to the announcement of Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail album, leaving Heads to speculate wildly about what Hov and The Chef might... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Kendrick Lamar Breaks Down To Pimp A Butterfly’s Cover Art and Its Significance (Video)

Kendrick Lamar recently sat down with Mass Appeal for an interview, of which an excerpt was released on video of him explaining the album cover of his highly lauded To Pimp A Butterfly. He explains that all the people on the album cover with him are friends and family from... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Step Into Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals Kitchen & Watch Him Cook (Video)

Less than two months removed from Petestrumentals 2 (June 23), the Mount Vernon, New York living legend lets cameras catch him (dramatically) in action, breaking down some "Cosmic Slop" on the Akai MPC. The song features extensive percussion, and the kind of serious sounds that P.R. has offered Edo G.,... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Watch Scarface Perform A Different Verse Over His Classic Gang Starr Collaboration (Video)

One of the standouts on Gang Starr's classic album Moment of Truth was "Betrayal." The song featured a dark and moody track that evoked poignant performances from both Guru and featured guest MC, Scarface. The 1998 song would be the first time Face worked with Preemo. Seventeen years later, when... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

This Will Make You Think Twice the Next Time You Walk By Someone Down on Their Luck (Video)

Tish Hyman has the kind of voice that penetrates souls. Part Stevie Wonder and part Roberta Flack, with a dash of Lauryn Hill, Hyman's vocals are filled with the type of raw and honest emotion that is rare these days--so much so that it's instantly stirring. Her song "Subway Art"... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

The Knux Encounter A Mirage In Their Late Night Journey (Video)

On their upcoming album Eleven (April 28), The Knux duo consisting of members Kentrell "Krispy" Lindsey and Alvin "Joey" Lindsey, have released their first video for the album on their track "Mirage." The Brothers Lindsey made quite the entrance into the Hip-Hop scene with their electric Rock elements and flashy word play in songs such... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Curren$y Complements His Slow Flow With Lowriders (Video)

Even More Saturday Car Tunes continues to live up to its name. Curren$y releases "Cars," where he and his Jet Life cohorts cruise through the city in the twilight. Spitta spits about his favorite hobby, as the camera catches '60s, '70s and '80s Chevrolet Impalas, and a '76 Buick Regal.... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Rakim is Releasing His First Solo Album in More Than 5 Years (Video)

Montreality, with their original and spirited questions, spoke to Rakim, again (after his grabbing 2012 look). Sitting down with the God MC, a lot is covered in less than 10 minutes. Notably, Rakim confirmed that he is fast at work on his fourth solo studio album. "This is one of... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & Pharoahe Monch’s Latest Collabo Comes To Comic Book Life (Lyric Video)

Although they were running in very different circles in the early 1990s, Ghostface Killah and Pharoahe Monch have some amazing rapport over the last five or so years. The Staten Island and Queens, New York lyricists fill their deliveries with fervor, passion, and lots of unique wordplay. From late 2014's... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

De La Soul Defends Kickstarter Album: “This Is Not About Pocketing Money”

Last week, De La Soul released "God It," the Nas-assisted, presumed first single from their upcoming eighth studio album, reportedly called, And The Anonymous Nobody. For Hip-Hop fans, this is a benchmark album before Heads press play, due to the fact it is the largest crowd-funded album in the Rap... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Scarface Names More Than 15 MCs Better Than Him. Do You Agree? (Video)

The legendary Scarface stopped by the Sway in the Morning show in promotion of the release of his new book, Diary of a Madman: The Geto Boys, Life, Death, and the Roots of Southern Rap. Given the multi-decade history between Face and Sway, the conversation had the promise of something... Read more

April 26, 2015 Video

GQ & Locksmith Drive Rhymes From The Backseat Of A Lyft (Video)

In the latest installment of the increasingly popular "HipHopLyft" series, Bay Area MCs Locksmith and GQ (of Jamla Records) drop conscious gems in freestyle form as they are driven around the streets of San Francisco. The two spitters both represent Team BackPack, a musical conglomerate that is dedicated to connecting... Read more

April 25, 2015 Video

Curren$y Colorfully Lives The Good Life In His Latest Single (Video)

Curren$y's Even More Saturday Night Car Tunes keeps making its rounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana veteran takes the Cool & Dre-produced single "Rhymes Like Weight," and hustles the visual—a colorful portrait of his life at the top of the indie Rap scene. Career and fans have been kind to Spitta,... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Yelawolf & Eminem Serve Revenge Cold With Red Hot Flows (Video)

Yelawolf has released the official video for "Best Friend," his mournful prayer with Eminem. The song is part sorrowful reflection and part vengeful sermon about past transgressions each has suffered the forthcoming consequences for their enemies--a one way trip for a meeting with the Maker. Staying with the theme of... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Freddie Gibbs Delivers A Serpent Sermon In His Latest Visual (Video)

Freddie Gibbs unleashes a new video for his song "Pronto," the title song of his recent EP. The song offers an even more aggressive tone than usual from the Gary, Indiana native. The video shows Gansta Gibbs in a tub full of snakes and surrounded by tempting women. Possible metaphors... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Did You Know Erick Sermon Could Have Signed Biggie? The Green Eyed Bandit Speaks (Video)

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Erick Sermon. The Green Eyed bandit has launched a new collection of Hip-Hop rugs called Def Rugs, and is releasing ESP, his first album since 2004's Chilltown, New York, in June. E Double sat down with Sway and covered a... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Fashawn’s Touching Single Is A Strong Vignette About Young, Black Fatherhood (Video)

Within Fashawn's The Ecology, "Higher" is one of the everlasting gems. Fashawn looks at fathers—as a parent himself, with some profound insights. The song is personal, heartfelt, and touching. To core fans of the Fresno, California MC, the DJ Exile-produced "Higher" is a deep extension of his Boy Meets World... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

The People Talk to Raekwon About Ice Cream on YouTube. The Chef Talks Back (Video)

It's been a long 20 years, but Raekwon's "Ice Cream" is still cold. The Wu-Tang Clan posse cut celebrating the ethnic diversity of female fans remains a popular draw on YouTube. Chef Rae joins Noisey to respond to some thirsty comments from the video site. Comments range from the deep,... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

King Los May Be A Freestyles & Songwriter Double-Threat (Video)

The freestyle is its own animal. So many of the masters of improvisational rhyme in Hip-Hop have proven to struggle in making thoughtful, lyrically-sharp albums—at least by the people's standards. King Los has everybody in suspense as he takes his strong track record from the freestyle and mixtape circuits to... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Kurupt & Tha Alkaholiks Show Diamond D A West Coast Party (Video)

Celebrating all regions, eras, and styles, Diamond D's The Diam Piece continues to knock on doors, and knock in systems. In an onslaught of visuals, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder heads to sunny California to link with longtime collaborators Tha Alkaholiks, and Kurupt. The video and the song ("We... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video