News Archives

Freestyle Aside, Eminem Dropped “Infinite” Jewels On Sway (Audio)

Last week, Eminem stormed the Sway In The Morning show, throwing Southpaw promotion, and delivering one T.K.O. of a freestyle. However, there was a whole hour of the diamond-certified-selling MC at Sway, and Heads may have missed the rare interview. What makes the interview especially notable is the superstar went... Read more

July 27, 2015 Audio

Tisha Campbell-Martin Is Back In The Booth, Delivering Soaring Vocals (Audio)

In the early 1990s, "Martin" co-star Tisha Campbell signed a deal with Capitol Records and released a well-received self-titled debut. In the 22 years since her LP, Tisha released a couple singles, sporadically—including 2014 work with Full-Force. Since starring on "My Wife And Kids" and now "Real Husbands Of Hollywood,"... Read more

July 27, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Statik Selektah Address Knee-Jerk ’90s Hip-Hop Comparisons (Video)

Since his 2010 arrival Joey Bada$$ has been often compared to the 1990s litany of East Coast MCs. The Brooklyn, New York MC is not a fan of being always considered a throwback, when the Pro Era MC has worked to prove himself as an original. Similarly, DJ/producer Statik Selektah... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

45 King Recalls Early Days Of Queen Latifah & Jay Z, Reveals A Hit He Was Not Credited For (Audio)

In the canon of Hip-Hop producers, 45 King is among the most important. From break-beat compilations to remixes, seminal 1980s 12" singles, to Grammy Award-winning hits, the New Jersey-based DJ/producer born Mark James has nearly 30 years of highly-influential digging, sampling, and arranging. Whether Queen Latifah, Gang Starr, Eminem, or... Read more

July 27, 2015 Throwback

Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch & Bun B To Perform Free Concert One Year After Michael Brown’s Murder

August 9, 2014 was Michael Brown's last day alive. The 18 year-old Ferguson, Missouri man had graduated high school eight days earlier, before an altercation with Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson that would ultimately leave Brown murdered in the street. One year later, August 9, 2015, Talib Kweli will perform... Read more

July 26, 2015 News

Mr. Serv-On Says He, Master P & 1990s No Limit Soldiers Will Tour Together

Between 1996 and 2002, No Limit Records released a number of platinum, gold, and chart-topping albums. Master P's label, featuring a number of home-grown talents (TRU, Mr. Serv-On, Mia X, Skull Duggery) would sprout to include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and Young Bleed. Launched in 1991, the label would be instrumental... Read more

July 26, 2015 News, Throwback

10 Years Later, Young Jeezy Says The Cover Of Thug Motivation 101 Was All Real (Video)

Today (July 26), Young Jeezy's major label debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 turned 10 years old. The Atlanta, Georgia platinum, #1 artist celebrated with a hometown concert last night (July 25) at the Fox Theatre. There, Jeezy reunited with Boyz N Da Hood, the Bad Boy South-backed... Read more

July 26, 2015 Throwback

Entrepreneurialism & Technology Discussed At Hip-Hop Institute Conference (Video)

Earlier this month, the 11th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival took place in a series of events, beginning July 8. Leading to the July 11 concert featuring Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway, and others, the week of discussion, education, and engagement included the first-ever Hip-Hop Institute Conference. Hosted at the borough's Medgar... Read more

July 26, 2015 Video

DJ Erykah Badu Is The Healer. Here’s A Soul Mix Featuring James, Donny & Stevie (Audio)

Erykah Badu knows how to reach the people. As a singer, Badu has struck the hearts of many in three decades, with lyrics and sounds that touch the mind, heart, and soul of listeners. As a mixmaster, under the alter-ego DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, Erykah does the same. Giving... Read more

July 26, 2015 Mixes

If Drake Is Responding To Meek Mill, It’s In This Charged Up Song (Audio)

In a week that has been anything but conventional, Drake has remained un-phased. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning MC/singer was accused of using writers by onetime friend/collaborator Meek Mill in a late-night social media barrage on July 21. In the days that followed, Funkmaster Flex released a "10 Bandz" reference track... Read more

July 26, 2015 Audio

What’s All the Fuss About With Jay Electronica? This Mix Says It All (Audio)

Over the years, Jay Electonica has become one of Hip-Hop's most enigmatic figures. With no albums and a paucity of unofficial mixtapes in his catalog, the elusive MC still manages to captivate fans, and figures like Diddy and Jay Z, with each mysterious release. And, the promise of his LP... Read more

July 25, 2015 Mixes

Will Smith & Jay Z To Produce Mini-Series On Life & Murder Of Emmett Till

Today (July 25) is the birthday of Emmett Till. He would have been 74 years old. The Chicago, Illinois native was murdered on August 28, 1955 while visiting family in Money, Mississippi. Then just 14 years old, Emmett—who was Black—spoke to 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant. In the hours that followed, Till... Read more

July 25, 2015 News, TV

Sean Price Confirms Upcoming Album Entirely Produced By M.O.P.’s Lil Fame (Audio)

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a legendary Hip-Hop locale. The same streets that raised Mike Tyson have afforded Rap music some of its most rugged sounds, courtesy of M.O.P., Heltah Skeltah, and Smoothe Da Hustler, among others. In the mid-1990s, both Mash Out and Heltah were working with fellow Brooklynites Da Beatminerz,... Read more

July 25, 2015 News

Kool Keith Made One Of His Most Focused Works Alongside L’Orange. Listen In (Album Stream)

Kool Keith's discography is staggering. From his origins with The Ultramagnetic MC's to a vast solo career, to side projects like Cenubites, Analog Brothers, and Dr. Octagon, the Bronx, New Yorker stays incredibly busy. With so much material, it can be hard to know where to look first—especially for longtime... Read more

July 25, 2015 Audio

Quentin Miller Breaks Silence, Refuting Drake Ghostwriter Allegations

Quentin Miller has transcended from an aspiring Atlanta, Georgia MC to quite arguably, Hip-Hop's most talked about new artist in just days. Following a Meek Mill diatribe on social media, Drake had been accused of employing ghostwriters. Notably, Meek called out his associate of several years, apparently alleging that recent... Read more

July 25, 2015 News

Marvel’s Mash-Up’s Continue, Care Of Nas, 50 Cent, The Roots & Pete Rock

Earlier this month, Marvel released a number of mash-up's between their flagship comic book characters, and classic Hip-Hop albums. From Eric B. & Rakim to Wu-Tang Clan, Marvel wove in Spiderman, X-Men, and Squadron Supreme into iconic artwork. Ten days later, Marvel Comic Group's Editor-In-Chief Axel Alonso released four more.... Read more

July 24, 2015 News

N.O.R.E. Is Back In His Musical Time Machine (Audio)

In one fell swoop, N.O.R.E. weaves all of his styles into one song. "How Ever" backs down any tough-talking challengers, with sheer confidence, street savvy, and O.G. wisdom. But the MC known as Noreaga manages to incorporate his love of old-fashioned cassette-style Hip-Hop in this "ButchRock Blend." Like some of... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers & Termanology Freestyle Over Classic Black Moon Heat (Audio)

In the latest of Chris Rivers' recent Friday deliveries, he and Termanology spit over Black Moon's 1993 cut "How Many MCs?" Produced by DJ Evil Dee & Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz, the track is emblematic of the dungeony Hip-Hop that was emanating from Brownsville, Brooklyn at the time. More... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Need Some Unreleased Madvillain in Your Life? Two Tracks Surface (Audio)

Madvillain, the duo comprised of Madlib and MF DOOM, released their 2004 collaborative project Madvillainy and instantly became cult heroes in the Hip-Hop underground. Since that Stones Throw project, and much to the chagrin of fans, there have not been many updates to their catalog. Today, however, brings something to... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Rise & Shine: Watch Janet Jackson & J. Cole in ‘No Sleeep’ (Video)

Janet is back. The legendary pop icon hasn't released any new music in more than 7 years. Next month, she will kick off her Unbreakable World Tour to promote what will be her eleventh solo effort (the first album of hers since the passing of her brother, Michael, in 2009).... Read more

July 24, 2015 Video

J. Cole and Trae tha Truth Lament Over Children Left Behind (Audio)

A veteran of Houston's rap scene (he's even got his very own Trae Day in his hometown), Trae tha Truth has been releasing solo music since 2003, when he dropped Losing Composure, an all H-Town affair featuring Paul Wall, Bun B, Chamillionaire, and his fellow Guerrilla Maab cohorts Z-Ro and... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Remember When Jayo Felony, Method Man & DMX Made A Cross-Country Def Jam Hit Together? (Video)

While ONYX and 50 Cent are two of Jam Master Jay's star proteges—even if the latter found his success beyond JMJ Records, there is another artist he ushered in that is often overlooked. Jayo Felony became one of San Diego, California's first national Rap stars. Signed amidst the height of... Read more

July 23, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Eminem’s Latest Freestyle is an Exercise in Lyrical Stamina (Audio)

Since being named the winner of AFH's user-generated GOAT competition, Eminem has been busy promoting Southpaw, a Boxing film starring Jake Gylenhaal and 50 Cent, and for which he is the soundtrack's executive producer. Previously slated to become an honorary member of N.W.A. as he joins them on their forthcoming... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

Lupe Fiasco Says Commercialism Has Ruined Hip-Hop, Not Ghostwriting

Over the course of the last several days, the topic of ghostwriting has entered the conversation about Hip-Hop in a very powerful way. As a trending topic across several social-media platforms (due largely to Meek Mill's public accusation of Drake, who he claims is a used a writer for the... Read more

July 23, 2015 News

Your Old Droog Puts Together A Playlist Featuring Mobb Deep & Miles Davis

Anybody familiar with the music of Brooklyn, New York's Your Old Droog knows that that the MC enjoys music beyond his own. Admittedly a fan of Rock & Roll music first, this MC draws inspiration from 1990s East Coast Hip-Hop, and dusty Jazz and Funk breaks. All of these forms... Read more

July 23, 2015 Playlists

Straight Outta Cooperstown: Hip-Hop Meets Baseball in These Mashup Cards

Earlier this month, it was announced that Marvel comics would be recreating comic-book covers with inspiration from classic Hip-Hop albums. Now, in the latest mash-up of pop and Hip-Hop culture, the faces of Rap stars have found themselves in the world of classic baseball cards. Similar to the concept behind... Read more

July 23, 2015 Throwback

Vic Mensa Flexes His Singing Chops on a Complete Re-Invention of Future’s Codeine Crazy (Audio)

Before Vic Mensa went solo in 2013, he was in a band. Not a Hip-Hop band, a collective of 7 artists and musicians who excelled at playing music across genres. Like Kids These Days, Mensa's musical tastes are wide-ranging. In fact, he often cites Nirvana as one of his biggest... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

From The Roots To ‘Roots’: Questlove To Handle Music For Alex Haley Remake

Already one of the busiest entertainers in show-business, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson has taken on at least two projects this week. The band-leader for The Roots and their role on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Questlove has associated himself with another Roots. According to Variety, Quest' will serve as Executive... Read more

July 23, 2015 News

J. Cole Joins Janet Jackson With A Shining Verse For Her No Sleeep Remix (Audio)

In the seven years since Janet Jackson had released new music, J. Cole had transcended from a hopeful MC/producer in North Carolina to one of the genre's biggest stars overall. Part of what delivered Jermaine Cole to the mainstream was his knack for working with singers, showcasing versatility on nearly... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

Meek Mill Reveals the Ghost Writer He Claims Wrote Drake’s R.I.C.O. Verse (Video)

From The D.O.C. to Royce Da 5'9", Skillz to Ice Cube, Hip-Hop has a long line of famous ghostwriters. High profile albums such as Dr. Dre's 2001, Salt-n-Pepa's Very Necessary, and Kanye West's Yeezus are assembled around raps written by artists besides those who voiced the words. Drake, who has... Read more

July 23, 2015 Video

Stro Celebrates His Ideal Woman on a Lil Bow Wow Update (Video)

Stro (fka Astronomical Kid and Astro) is all grown up. After stepping into the spotlight in 2011 as a contestant on X Factor with his infectious song, "Stop Looking at My Moms," he's eighteen now and turning his attention to another lady in his life. On "Ghetto Girls Freestyle," he... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

President Obama’s Final Daily Show Interview Brings Powerful Ideas On College Reform (Video)

On last night's (July 21) episode of "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart had no monologue, no schtick, and went on zero tangents. And for good reason. His guest was President Barack Obama, a leader who is entering the final year of his tenure. Stewart is also a leader (of sorts)... Read more

July 22, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Problem Clears The Table, Name-Checking Peers & Claiming His Place (Video)

It has been nine years since Problem made his breakthrough mixtape, Deal Or No Deal. Approaching a decade, after appearances on albums by Snoop Dogg, E-40, DJ Quik, and Wiz Khalifa, the Compton, California native is still without a studio full-length. On "50 Shades Of Grey," Problem speaks up. The... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Eminem Slated To Take Eazy-E’s Spot As Honorary N.W.A. Member On Tour.

UPDATE: One day later (July 23), an unnamed Eminem and Dr. Dre representative has told Rolling Stone magazine that the reports regarding Eminem and an N.W.A. are not true. The original report: For the most part, attentions surrounding August 14's Straight Outta Compton are focused on the film. The F.... Read more

July 22, 2015 News

Pharrell Shows That Freedom Is The Key To Universal Happiness (Video)

Pharrell makes statement records. Following the infectious commercial success of "Happy" through some difficult times socially, politically, and economically across the globe, the Star Trak explorer (now plugged into I Am Other) launches "Freedom." The song is built around rich instrumentation, and a strong piano. Skateboard P's vocal delivery transcends... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Prince Has Not Moved On From Baltimore. Have You? (Lyric Video)

Prince was among those deeply moved by the April protests in Baltimore, Maryland. What may seem in the rear-view of a year (perhaps a period) that continues to bring incidents, headlines, and tragedies related to police brutality and social unrest, is still very close to the iconic musician. The life... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Camp Lo’s Fashion & Luxury Transportation Suits Their Style (Video)

Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are masters of nostalgia. The veteran Hip-Hop duo Camp Lo, joined by longtime mentor/producer Ski Beatz has a knack for channeling '70s slang, '60s film, and '80s New York City. From their 2015 Nature Sounds LP, Ragtime Hightimes, the duo delivers the video for "Life... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Jay Electronica Has a Strong Message for Cowards on Previously Unreleased Track (Audio)

Ever the mysterious, slightly mythical Hip-Hop demi-God, Jay Electronica's booming vocal delivery can now be heard on a new-ish track that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. We don't really know from whence it came, when it was made, or what project it belongs to, but it's Wednesday, and getting over... Read more

July 22, 2015 Audio

Pete Rock Reminisces Over “T.R.O.Y.” & Getting Emotional Hearing Tom Scott’s Sample (Audio)

One year ago, Pete Rock appeared on NPR's "Microphone Check" to discuss his catalog, remixes, and James Brown influence. At the midpoint of 2015, the Chocolate Boy Wonder (as he's been deemed) has a fresh batch of Petestrumentals available, care of Tucson, Arizona-based Mello Music Group. An MC/producer who got... Read more

July 22, 2015 Audio

Take a Long Walk Down Memory Lane With Jill Scott as she Revisits Her Debut Album

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop infused Neo-Soul songstress Jill Scott celebrated the 15th anniversary of her debut album, 2000's Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. With it, she answered her own question, and the album's platinum-selling status suggested that few were left unfamiliar with her name. She... Read more

July 22, 2015 Throwback

Where Does Rick Ross Stand in the Meek Mill/Drake Beef? For Now, He’s Claiming Family Ties (Video)

Sometimes things just fall into place. Moments after Maybach Music Group's latest #1 product, Meek Mill, called out Drake's rhyme-writing on social media, Rick Ross expressed his solidarity, sharing Meek's words. According to some late-night web-surfers, the symbolic act came after R.R. first sided with Drizzy—before deleting a highly-controversial tweet... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Meek Mill Says Drake Does Not Write His Own Rhymes. Pillow Talk?

The same week that watched former collaborators Ghostface Killah and Action Bronson enter at least a one-sided beef, the trend continues. Meek Mill was at Drake's side in the famed 2012 club incident that resulted in lawsuits, and an all-out attack between Drake and Chris Brown. On July 22, via... Read more

July 22, 2015 News

Dave Chappelle Is Funny But He Makes a Serious Point About Comedy in These Troubling Times

Dave Chappelle's humor, like many comedians, is often built around the formula of pain-plus-time-equals-funny. In his heralded series, "Chapelle's Show," the Dayton, Ohio native poked fun at a number of taboo topics. These included White Supremacy, drug addiction, and immigration reform. In the midst of a return to the public... Read more

July 21, 2015 Lifestyle

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Protege Dayne Jordan is a True Storytelling MC (Album Stream)

Hailing from Philadelphia, the same city that birthed Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Dayne Jordan has been accumulating some serious knowledge from veterans in the game. With Jeff as his mentor, Jordan has been finessing the skills he's been accruing since 2009, when he released his debut project, Sand... Read more

July 21, 2015 Audio

A Week Before it Turns 20, the Movie ‘Kids’ is Being Remembered as a Classic

Rolling Stone called it "the most controversial film of the Nineties." With mid-'90s New York City as its setting, the Larry Clark-directed film Kids struck a chord with an entire generation, candidly portraying the sexual lives of a handful of teenagers. Released nationwide on July 28, 1995, the NC-17 drama... Read more

July 21, 2015 Lifestyle

Thundercat & Flying Lotus Make Heartbreak Sound Unusually Cool (Video)

Less than one month ago, Thundercat released The Beyond/Where The Giants Roam. The Kendrick Lamar collaborator is hard to pin down. The Brainfeeder release involves his Los Angeles, California contemporary Flying Lotus, as well as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (the classically-trained musician responsible for the incredible Suite For Ma Dukes Dilla-inspired album/DVD).... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Slum Village, J Dilla & Bilal Know What Love Is…It’s Hip-Hop (Video)

Slum Village's recently-released YES! album truly is an affirmation. T3 and Young RJ manifest the Villa destiny with nine tracks featuring the late J Dilla's (and group co-founder) handiwork. "Love Is" is one such highlight, including the unmistakable vocals of Bilal, as well as former full-time S.V. member, Illa J.... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

DJ Quik Goes Out Classic-Cruising To His Own Trunk-Rattling Production (Video)

DJ Quik's 2014 album, The Midnight Life packed an incredible punch, from a production standpoint. The G-Funk (or P-Funk) innovator shifted styles once more, to not only show his influence upon guys like DJ Mustard and Terrace Martin, but to evolve into raw instrumentation. "Puffin' The Dragon" is anything but... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Apologizes to Ghostface, Again. GFK Refuses. Here’s the Inside Story on Their Only Collabo.

Yesterday (July 20) Ghostface Killah unleashed a "mighty healthy" response to Action Bronson, following a perceived diss by the Queens, New York MC. Moments after Ghostface's video reply, which called out Bronson for disrespecting an MC who influenced him, as well as issued threats to the VICE/Atlantic Records artist on... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Mick Jenkins Gets Up and Gets Down in Reverse on a New Concept Track (Audio)

Mick Jenkins is proving to be one of the more creative voices to emerge in Hip-Hop in quite some time. The Cinematic Music Group artist (Big K.R.I.T., Joey Bada$$) rarely settles for songs with just heady lyrics and challenging beats. He typically elevates them into full blown concept tracks, often... Read more

July 21, 2015 Audio