News Archives

Do Remember: De La Soul & Camp Lo’s So Good (Audio)

Since Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Tommy Boy Records has been in on the ground floor of helping out Heads "looking for the perfect beat." Tom Silverman's independent label may have started with Dance music roots, but the label proved to be one of the truly trustworthy imprints, supplying... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

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

Kendrick Lamar and Glasses Malone Search for Harmony Over a Bone Thugs Inspired Track (Audio)

Although there have been a slew of freestyles over classic Hip-Hop tracks from the 90s lately, Glasses Malone's "Thuggin'" featuring Kendrick Lamar is something different. The two MCs come together on an interpolation of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's seminal "Foe Tha Love of $" and flip the script. Rather than a celebration... Read more

April 23, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): KRS-One vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

Nas & AZ’s Illmatic Collabo Was Supposed to Be Over Juicy. Hear What Could Have Been (Audio)

Though the sample has now been used countless times, Heads will forever associate the deep bass line and knock from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" with The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" flip on his debut album, Ready to Die. However, a lesser known fact is that the song was originally supposed to be... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

Twista & Do Or Die Give Fans That Classic Chi City Choppin’ (Audio)

The appeal in a Twista & Do Or Die joint EP lies in the fact that both of these acts have been pioneering voices from Chicago, Illinois. With that effort, these West Side Chi City stars helped define a style, an attitude, and a po' pimp grit that remains integral... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio

Knxwledge Lives Out His Hud Dreems After Producing Rap’s A-List (Audio)

Los Angeles, California-residing producer Knxwledge has been an active member of his city's eclectic beat/instrumental scene. His distinct method of blending Jazz record, psychadelic riffs and unique rhythms have gained him quite a bit notoriety and Hip-Hop heads may recognize him for his work with noteworthy MCs like Kendrick Lamar,... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio, Fresh

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

Here’s an Amazing New Film About the Evolution of Hip-Hop Radio in the 80s (Video)

Red Bull Music has put together an amazing new documentary about the evolution of Hip-Hop radio in the 80s. Titled Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio 1980 - 1988, the short film serves as an in-depth look at some of the key personalities responsible for bringing... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

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

Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa’s Chemistry Never Rests, Even If They Do (Audio)

After a friendly, little conversation on Twitter, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa have leaked another single from their newest project, #2009. Heads have seen and heard Jet Life and Taylor Gang collaborate on numerous singles and celebrated mixtapes like their 2009 joint project How Fly, but after the release of "Uber... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 22, 2015 Fresh

Not Stranded On Death Row…Dr. Dre Wins The Chronic’s Digital Rights

Nineteen years ago last month, Dr. Dre left Death Row Records. While artists such as RBX and The D.O.C. had already severed ties with the multi-platinum label, the news was confusing to many, as Dre helped co-found the label. However, due to reported creative differences with label CEO Marion "Suge"... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

De La Soul & Nas Are Hip-Hop Gods & Their Collaboration Is Heavenly (Audio)

De La Soul and Nas have been two of the most dependable sources of Hip-Hop music, with nearly 50 years, combined. Crossing paths in one of 2015's biggest collaborations so far, Posdnous, Dave, Maseo, and Nasir sound incredible together on "God It." Presumably the first 2015 public presentation from De... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Slick Rick’s Great Adventures Cross Paths In Miami With Dynas (Premiere)

Slick Rick does not make many guest appearances—it is part of what makes the storyteller laureate so great. However, MC Ricky D must like South Florida veteran MC Dynas, as he starts the party on "Who U?" The rapped story finds Rick in Miami, Florida, at a gym off of... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

J. Cole Unleashes a New Visual About Young Love…Literally (Video)

Last year's 2014 Forest Hills Drive album fully-delivered on the promise J. Cole has shown since the days of his mixtape, The Warm Up. That project put Cole on the map of Heads all over the world, including that of Jay Z. After a couple of major label releases that... Read more

April 21, 2015 Video

ONYX Are Back and Ready to Revolt Against All Corrupt Authorities (Audio)

Since the days of "Slam," ONYX have always made fighting music. As the years have progressed, so has the message for Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr. The two have returned with more riot music but the target is very different than before. "Against All Authorities," their new release and the... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Fifteen Years Later, Love & Basketball Still Endures (Lifestyle)

Fifteen years ago this month, Gina Prince-Bythewood made her directorial debut with Love & Basketball. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, the film became a quintessential love story for an entire generation of fans unused to seeing faces of color in this context on the silver screen. The Shadow League... Read more

April 21, 2015 Lifestyle

Killer Mike is Out to Change the World One Mind at a Time. Next Stop: MIT (News)

Killer Mike is set to present his lecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about how current and future technologies impact race relations in the United States, as part of a program in the University's Hip Hop Speaker Series. The Run The Jewels co-founder is planning to discuss last year's tragedy in Ferguson, Missouri,... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

Built 4 Cuban Links…Questlove DJs In Havana With Culture Sharing In Mind

In global news, it was announced today via a spokesperson for The Roots that Questlove has recently returned from two DJ nights in Havana, Cuba. The Roots drummer/producer/DJ appeared on April 16 and 17 at FAC, an old factory in the Vedado section of the capital city. "It’s always been... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

Skills Trump Luck…Vic Mensa Signs To Roc Nation

Vic Mensa is having an incredible last 12 months. Since INNANETTAPE two years ago, the Chicago, Illinois MC/musician has released a hit video single in "Down On My Luck," released two songs with Kanye West, and now, he's signed to one of the music industry's premiere labels. Today (April 21)... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

Yelawolf & Eminem Go Behind The Love Story (Video)

Last week Yelawolf released his single featuring Eminem, "Best Friend," and today (April 21) he has officially released his second studio album on Shady Records, Love Story. While on set filming a music video for "Best Friend," Yelawolf & Eminem made a quick video to remind fans to buy the... Read more

April 21, 2015 Video

AZ, DJ Premier & Joe Budden Put It Down For MoSS’s Breakthrough (Audio)

Heads may or may not be up on MoSS, yet... Working closely with DJ Premier and Year Round Records for years, the Toronto, Ontario producer has produced for certified lyrical vets such as Ghostface Killah, Sean Price, and Big Shug. Having also contributed a full project with Eternia (2010's At... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Raekwon & A$AP Rocky Draw Parallels In Their Path To Stardom (Audio)

As 2015 continues to be a year of consistent Hip-Hop success, founding Wu-Tang member Raekwon has graced his fans with another release from his upcoming solo album Fly International Luxurious Art (F.I.L.A) (April 29) his first since his 2011 acclaimed LP, Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang. In the song "I Got Money," Raekwon... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

RJD2 Returns To Full MC Albums. Catch A Glimpse With STS (Audio)

The nostalgic production of RJD2 blends with the easygoing yet rousing wordplay of STS (a/k/a Sugar Tongue Slim) in their latest collaboration “420," released on the calendar date. In their past work together, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based tandem have blessed Heads with soulful joints such as “See You Leave” (From RJD2's... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Tech N9ne & Eminem Break Down Their New Collaboration On Sway In The Morning (Video)

People are still reacting to the new Tech N9ne single, "Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)" featuring Eminem & Krizz Kaliko. Tech N9ne was just on Sway in the Morning a few days ago to talk about his upcoming album, Special Effects, and he returned to the show on April 20 to... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform Crossroads on ESPN’s Sports Nation (Video)

The NBA Playoffs are upon us—and if you didn't know, Blake Griffin rattled the universe and the rim with three monstrous dunks Sunday night (April 19). The Los Angeles Clippers star Center made an example of several San Antonio Spurs in their 107-92 win, arguably none more than Aron Baynes.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Showtime Is Releasing a Documentary on Allen Iverson. Watch the Trailer (Video)

Along with Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson is one of the first athletes of the Hip-Hop generation who wore the culture on his sleeve. From the cornrows to the saggy jeans, The Answer was a rebel who compromised for no one. That attitude made Iverson a force on the court, but... Read more

April 20, 2015 Lifestyle

Killer Mike Celebrates His Birthday With Flair (Video)

It's been quite some time since Killer Mike released solo material, in lieu of his work with El-P as part of Run the Jewels. Even Mike's last solo album, R.A.P. Music was like an RTJ project, as it was completely produced by El-P. On his birthday, however, it's all about... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Two Decades Later, Does Grandmama Still Fly? Larry Johnson Speaks (Video)

Along with commercials like Michael Jordan's "Be Like Mike" Gatorade campaign and Anfernee Hardaway's "Lil Penny" series, few basketball ads from the 90s are more iconic than Larry Johnson's "Grandmama" campaign for Converse. The series launched during Johnson's rookie year with the Charlotte Hornets in 1991-92. The spots featured LJ... Read more

April 20, 2015 Lifestyle

Audio Push Are Sending Out “Good Vibes” On Their New Mixtape (Audio)

Audio Push, the talented California duo of dancers turned MCs, have released a mixtape carrying on a tradition established by West Coast pioneers like Dr. Dre and Cypress Hill, celebrating the medicinal herb. With their mixtape The Good Vibe Tribe, Hit-Boy's HS87 signees have delivered a wide-ranging project that flows... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

Here’s a Look at the Real-Life Settings for Some of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Album Covers (Photo)

Part of the experience of enjoying an album, Hip-Hop or otherwise, is taking in the cover art that comes with the music. Technology and the Internet have made it so that fewer people actually pay attention to the cover art when they download an album, but recently the internet gave... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

Kanye West Reportedly Joins Puff Daddy’s Hitmen

This past weekend Puff Daddy made an unforeseen announcement via Instagram that he is now back in the studio with his production team The Hitmen (a/k/a Puffy's Hitmen). This is Sean Comb's first album since releasing Last Train To Paris in 2010 and he is now back in the studio with members Chucky Thompson, Deric "D-Dot"... Read more

April 20, 2015 News

DJ Premier Remixes Lion Babe’s Pharrell-Produced Single (Audio)

From Limp Bizkit to Craig David, Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera, when DJ Premier steps out of Hip-Hop, it's usually significant, and it usually bridges audiences. Premo took the Pharrell-produced "Wonder Woman" for eclectic non-Rap duo Lion Babe, and slowed things down with those hard drums and carefully programmed accents.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

From Rap God to Speed Demon. Tech N9ne & Eminem Flow Furiously (Audio)

After more than a decade of trying to make it happen, Tech N9ne has finally been able to collaborate with Eminem for the first time since they were on Sway & Tech's "The Anthem" in 1999. Since then, Eminem has set the world record for the amount of words per... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 20, 2015 Fresh

This Throwback Hip-Hop VIDEO Mix Will Blow Your Mind (Video)

Here's an absolutely devastating throwback Hip-Hop video mix from UK DJ E Double D. The mix and song selection, from the late 80s and early 90s, would be enough but, the added layer of overlaying visuals takes it to a completely different level. E Double pulls out clips featuring Eric... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

Lloyd Banks Drops a Killer Freestyle on a Vintage Dr. Dre Beat (Audio)

Of the many 90s Hip-Hop freestyles over the last few weeks, Lloyd Banks has released some of the best. After tackling classics by Black Moon and Raekwon, Banks sets his sights to the Left Coast and unleashes a powerhouse verse over the "Serial Killa" track Dr. Dre produced for Snoop... Read more

April 19, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear Rick Ross’ First Appearance On Wax, Alongside Erick Sermon? (Audio)

A lot went into Rick Ross' career in the lead-up to 2006 platinum single, "Hustlin'." Many Heads know that the Miami, Florida-based MC was one of the strong developing acts at Slip-N-Slide Records (a system responsible for Plies, Pitbull, plus Trina and Trick Daddy). Other Heads know that Ross had... Read more

April 19, 2015 Throwback

5 Years Ago Today We Lost Keith “Guru” Elam & Nothing Was The Same

April 19, 2010 was one of the most difficult days for Hip-Hop Heads. That day, after six weeks in a coma (announced February 28), Keith "Guru" Elam was confirmed dead in a Manhattan hospital. The Gang Starr founder went into cardiac arrest, following the coma in the midst of a... Read more

April 19, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Fabolous Has Been a Bad Boy on These 90s Beats. Check His Latest Freestyle (Audio)

The recent onslaught of MCs rapping over 90s beats has, in most cases, been a welcomed homage to what many consider to be the Golden Era. Jadakiss, Styles P, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo are among the many to have refreshed a track over the last few weeks. Fabolous also... Read more

April 18, 2015 Audio

Run the Jewels Drop a Gem for Record Store Day (Audio)

Run the Jewels (Killer Mike and El-P) show their support for Record Store Day (4/18) with the release of a vinyl 12" record. The offering sports a brand new song titled "Bust No Moves," featuring SL Jones, "Pew Pew Pew" (from the European version from their first Run the Jewels... Read more

April 18, 2015 Audio

Domingo Brings Together Kool G Rap & Canibus for Some Lyrical Sharp Shooting (Audio)

Throughout the last 15-plus years, Kool G Rap and Canibus are never far. For dense lyrics, barbed bars, and overloads of confidence, both are a lot alike. Whether it's Sway & King Tech's This Or That, 'Bis' Mic Club, or Almighty's 2nd Coming LP, they run well together. In 2014,... Read more

April 18, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Cypher With Snoop, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg and Dr. Dre? (Video)

Ain't nuthin' like a gangsta party...Here's a look back at an amazing studio moment from The Chronic era. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt and Daz conduct a crazy off the top cypher, with Dr. Dre holding down the melody on a piano and Nate Dogg in the background with the vocals.... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

Ka & Preservation Literally Get Hypnotic In Latest Stylized Visual (Video)

Brownsville, Brookyln MC Ka releases a new hypnotic video titled "Day 912," which was followed by his "Day 0" and "Day 3" visuals that were released last month. With featured production from Preservation, where they also collaborated on 2014 EP titled 1200 BC , the track is a very personal look into the mind of the... Read more

April 18, 2015 Video

Celebrate 25 Years of A Tribe Called Quest With This Incredible Mix (Audio)

This has been a landmark year for A Tribe Called Quest. After celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Low End Theory album being certified platinum in February, yesterday (4/17) marked 25 years since the debut of their groundbreaking album, People’s Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm. To celebrate the... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

In a Week of Massive Trailers This May Be the Biggest. Batman vs. Superman (Video)

Even before the Summer of 2015 Box Office officially gets started with the May 4th release of The Avengers, fans may already be looking well past August for their movie fix. Yesterday, the second trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams' reboot of George Lucas' multi-generational franchise, was... Read more

April 17, 2015 TV/Film

Did Black Thought Confirm He’s Working On A Solo Album?

During an exciting week in Hip-Hop music, something really major may have been announced, that many Heads missed. Yesterday (April 16) The Roots' front man Black Thought confirmed that he is currently in the process of recording a solo album. Replying to a fan's tweet, Thought alluded to the upcoming... Read more

April 17, 2015 News

Chris Rivers Is A Chip Off The Legendary Block In 2 New Looks (Video)

One of the most interesting things about the late, great Big Pun is his creative duality. In his early days with Cuban Link and Full-A-Clips, Punisher favored a horror-core style, as heard on early 1990s Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and Geto Boys records. By the late '90s however,... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio, Video