News Archives

Tajai From Souls Of Mischief Discusses Egypt & New Group Album (Interview)

“Yo what's up, this is Tajai of the mighty Souls of Mischief crew…” Even though it’s been 20 years since one of Hip-Hop’s crown jewels dropped, hearing the intro above from Souls of Mischief’s “93 'til Infinity” still has the power to ease the mind in ways few songs can.... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: The Week in Video (9/7/13) (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought a new video from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, an extended interview of Tajai from Souls of Mischief discussing the 20th Anniversary of 93 'til..., Kendrick Lamar talking guest verses, DJ Premier explaining symbolism of the Gang Starr logo and much more. Check out the video playlist below... Read more

September 7, 2013 Playlists, Video

AFH MC Spotlight

When it comes to Hip-Hop, one of the biggest elements is the sense of excitement that trickles throughout the community with the discovery of fresh new music. Well here at AFH, we figured why not give the Heads a chance to help create more of that excitement on a regular... Read more

September 7, 2013 Fresh

Rasheed Chappell – No Idea’s Original Radio Show Freestyle

An MC spitting ill flows over instrumentals at a radio station never gets old, and that’s exactly what went down when Rasheed Chappell stopped by the No Idea's Original radio show. In the audio below the New Jersey native flows for almost five minutes straight over some fresh beats. Rasheed... Read more

September 7, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Souls Of Mischief’s 93 ’til Infinity 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

By: Bandini My biggest gripe with the cliché-use of the word “classic” is the freshness in which it’s pulled out. In order to be a classic, you must endure the tendency to forget, overlook, and turn the page. The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Baritz is classic—with its long lines, razor-sharp edges... Read more

September 7, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Big Sean Breaks Down “First Chain” (Video)

With yet another example of Hova's Midas touch, Jay Z's Life + Times has definitely established itself as one of the go to places for dope Hip-Hop content. Specifically engaging are the channel's "Decoded" series, which features artists rapping one of their tracks, then dissecting the lyrics piece by piece.... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

Pusha T – My Name Is My Name Documentary Pt. I & II (Video)

Pusha Ton goes down to Kingston, Jamaica with his homie (Complex's Editor-in-Chief) Noah Callahan-Bever on behalf of Mass Appeal, which NCB led for many years. Approaching My Name Is My Name, the two discuss the album, the Clipse years, and those run-ins with the law that made Pusha and Re-Up... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

Curren$y & Young Roddy – Bales (Mixtape)

Move over Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith, Spitta is Quarterbacking the Jets with his second mixtape in as many months. Bales, is a joint effort by Curren$y (as Spitta Andretti) with Jet Life's Young Roddy, boasts a ton of Harry Fraud production (Cigarette Boats fans rejoice), along with a Juvenile... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Typical Cats – Reflections From The Porch (Video)

It’s been roughly 12 years since the Typical Cats first hit the scene back in the early 2000s Underground Hip-Hop glory days. And with all that time past, it seems only fitting that their latest track would be titled “Reflections From The Porch.” The visuals from the video intertwine effortlessly... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

YC The Cynic – The Heaviest Cross (Video)

With the never ending flood of music that comes our way, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how much time and hard work an artist puts into each song. Well, YC The Cynic sends critics and commenters a lyrical reminder with his new video for the track “The Heaviest Cross,... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Woody – Hip-Hop At 40 Preview (Video)

For fans of Style Wars, Wild Style, and just the story that us Heads are living out, this is incredibly cool. DJ Woody makes another visual mash-up dedicated to Hip-Hop's 40th birthday last month. Within the quick-cuts of this two-minute preview are Godfather DJ Kool Herc, Roxanne Shante and Brand... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Tour Announced Immediately After Kanye West’s Yeezus Tour

Haven't Kanye West and Jay Z's timing on things (as related to each other) been curious in 2013? As if Jay Z's sneak-attack of Magna Carta Holy Grail just days after Kanye's own surprise-styled release of Yeezus wasn't enough, the same thing appears to have happened today with touring. Just... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh

Nas Reviews “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Having already left his mark in Hip-Hop history, it seems Mr. Nasir Jones is focusing his efforts on a new profession: journalism. Ok not really, but his first album review, which covered Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, definitely would have been a great start. In the review Nas... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – Everything 100 ft Ty Dolla $ign

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony release the video for their single Everything 100 featuring Ty Dolla $ign. Check it out below. Related: Game – Celebration (Remix) ft Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Video

DJ Premier Explains the Meaning of the Gang Starr Logo (Video)

After more than 20 years, the Gang Starr logo remains one of the most iconic brands in Hip-Hop. DJ Premier spoke with Mass Appeal about the symbolism and evolution of the logo. Check out the video below. Related: Shop Talk With DJ Premier (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Video

Rick Ross – No Games ft Future

Rick Ross releases a club banger featuring Future and produced by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League as the first single off his forthcoming album, Mastermind. There's no new ground covered here, but it goes. Here's No Games. Related: Rick Ross – Oil Money Gang ft Jadakiss (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Audio

Pete Rock & Camp Lo Perform “Luchini” & More

Certain songs are just time machines. Camp Lo and Pete Rock recently sat down with Heather B of the Sway In the Morning radio show to discuss their recently-released 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s Pt. II. As if that weren’t enough, Camp Lo also decide bless the mic with a live... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Brother Ali – Left In The Deck (Free Album)

Brother Ali's had a lot of opportunities at his disposal over the last decade. His 2003 album Shadows On The Sun was said to be made with four-track beats by Ant (of Atmosphere), and it goes down in history as one of my favorite albums of the 2000s. Revealing, vulnerable,... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Dom Kennedy – South Central Love (Video)

What's a 5.0 Mustang drop, if you can't roll in it with your love beside you? Dom Kennedy pays homage to his own version of the "around the way girl." We can dig it. Related: Dom Kennedy – Erica Pt. 1... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Video

Realm Reality – Set It Off

Regardless of the success Realm Reality found in the acting world, his grind to become a successful MC has never stopped. On his latest track “Set It Off," the Brooklyn native depicts his hunger and work ethic, “this is hunger Rap, Somali competition / I was starving cause they eating... Read more

September 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Damu The Fudgemunk – Fades ‘Em Gone

The DMV is a great a place to dig for records (and we're not just talking about Biz Markie's second crib full of wax). A hot-bed for dusty loops, it's little surprise that the region has spawned Oddissee, Nick Tha 1da, and Damu The Fudgemunk. The latter is a name... Read more

September 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent – Warning You ft Skylar Grey

Please don't be fooled by Skylar Grey's Recovery-esque smooth singing to open up the track (it supposedly came from an Eminem session)... the beat breaks and 50 Cent kicks things off talking about his JMJ Records era. "Warning You" does just that. Perhaps Fif's upcoming album (following a four-year break... Read more

September 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Sign A Petition To Rename A Brooklyn Street After Biggie Smalls

Fresh off of renaming a Brooklyn park after the Beastie Boys' MCA, Hip-Hop fans are fighting that good fight to honor another late B.K. icon. Christopher Wallace (aka The Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls) grew up on Fulton Street, between St. James and Cambridge Place in Clinton Hill—you've probably heard... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Drake – Nothing Was The Same (Album Artwork + Tracklist)

It's worthy Thursday morning conversation to see what Drake is working with on his third studio album, Nothing Was The Same. Drizzy went to his OVO site to unveil the tracklist to September 24's LP. Longtime Young Money producer/artist Detail's making quite a rise this year, and the debates years... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh

Ransom – It’s Ransom ft Styles P

For the last five years, Ransom's name has come up a lot in lyrical circles. I'm personally excited that his October 1 album The Proposal will hopefully be an album we can collectively point to as evidence. This simply-titled song certainly grabbed my ears, as emotional, sincere Rap, with a... Read more

September 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Pharoahe Monch Answers “The Questions” (Video)

Pharoahe Monch sat down (actually stood up) with OkayPlayer to answer their rapid-fire series of lighthearted questions. Pharoahe spoke on his favorite Cosby character, the jazz musician that influenced his cadence, which woman he would like to see act out part of the chorus of Simon Says...and more. Check out... Read more

September 4, 2013 Video

Vic Mensa – Yung Net (Sneak Preview) (Video)

Vic Mensa (formerly of Kids These Days) is about to be a MAJOR problem. After releasing Orange Soda and Hollywood LA, 2 laid-back grooves, he lays down a lyrical assault on the Bout It Bout It track Freddie Gibbs used last year. Check out this extended preview of Yung Net.... Read more

September 4, 2013 Video

The Internet – Partners in Crime Pt. 2

The group The Internet is affiliated with Odd Future and has recently gained more recognition due to their work on Mac Miller's Watching Movies with the Sound Off album. They are an incredibly soulful (some might say neo-soul) group of musicians that play live instruments to make some of the... Read more

September 4, 2013 Audio

Eddie Murphy – Red Light ft Snoop Lion

Former king of comedy Eddie Murphy has finally returned to the microphone with his new reggae infused track featuring Snoop Lion. Don’t strain your eyes too hard because yes, you did read that correctly. With one of the most random songs to hit the internet in recent memory, Mr. Delirious... Read more

September 4, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Approach to Feature Verses (Video)

After delivering the biggest guest verse of the year last month, Kendrick Lamar sat down with Life & Times to discuss his approach to feature verses and building the TDE movement, generally. Not surprisingly, it's all about striving for excellence and building the culture. Check out the video. Related: Nice... Read more

September 4, 2013 Video

R.A. The Rugged Man – The Dangerous 3 ft Brother Ali & Masta Ace (Video)

Truly, this is my favorite collaboration so far of 2013. While R.A. The Rugged Man's story has always inspired me (and I'm a fan of his journalism), his released works rarely moved me. However, Legends Never Die is truly a grabbing album this year, and this song is my favorite... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big Boi – Thom Pettie ft Killer Mike & Little Dragon (Video)

Big Boi's 2012 album Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors was seemingly lost in the 4th quarter shuffle. While Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son Of Chico Dusty cannot be topped in my humble opinion, I applaud Daddy Fat Sax for always pushing his musical boundaries. Admittedly, Big Boi is the one who... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Video

Souls Of Mischief & Gummy Soul – 93 Still (Mixtape)

With permission (and some acapellas) from the heralded Oakland collective Souls Of Mischief (on tour now), Gummy Soul's Wally Clark was able to re-craft his own spin on the famed 1993 Jive Records album—93 Still. The original (read: classic) released 20 years ago this month. In a statement, Wally said,... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Willie D Vs. Grandmaster Melle Mel Boxing Match (Video)

To anybody who's ever learned everything about this early '90s (1992?) short-lived rapper boxing league, finding some footage is priceless. This is some two-plus minutes "Yo! MTV Raps" b-roll footage of Geto Boys O.G. Willie D fighting Grandmaster Melle Mel (of Furious Five fame). It goes without saying, these men... Read more

September 4, 2013 Throwback

Kanye West Clown’s Pharoahe Monch’s Clothes (Video)

Here's a funny true Hip-Hop story. Pharoahe Monch tells the tale of the time Kanye West straight clowned Pharoahe's clothes in front of Talib Kweli--all animated as a cartoon, of course...Check out the video. Related: Pharoahe Monch Breaks Down Simon Says and More with Peter Rosenberg (Video)... Read more

September 4, 2013 Video

Caskey – The Transient Classics (Mixtape)

When your musical path starts as being a huge Heavy Metal fan, then leads to falling in love with Rap courtesy of Nasty Nas, and finally culminates with a record deal from YMCMB, it’s safe to say you haven’t taken the traditional route to becoming a success in the Rap... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Guilty Simpson & Small Professor – On The Run ft DJ Revolution

With the release date of their album quickly approaching, Detroit's Guilty Simpson and Philly's Small Professor finally give us a taste of what to expect when Highway Robbery actually drops on September 24. Featuring some ill turntable magic from DJ Revolution, the album’s lead single “On The Run” delivers nice... Read more

September 4, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Tanya Morgan – Pick It Up (Video)

Combining an uptempo live band with multiple MCs isn't always the easiest task to accomplish, but when done right? It sets the table for a unique sound that just can't be denied. Featuring intense percussion, a DJ/producer (6th Sense), and two MCs, Hip-Hop group Tanya Morgan release their new video... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Video

World’s Fair – Bastards Of The Party (Album Stream)

Now although Hip-Hop collective World's Fair released their debut album for absolutely nothing, it definitely has all signs pointing towards success for the group. The album, titled Bastards Of The Party (named after the stellar social documentary on the history of the Bloods), consists of 13 tracks which don't hesitate... Read more

September 4, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

7 G.E.M.S. – Presume the Unpredictable ft Roc Marciano

With almost 20 plus years in Hip-Hop, it seems Tragedy Khadafi (The Intelligent Hoodlum) should be showing some signs of slowing down. Instead, the Queensbridge MC/Juice Crew affiliate still has his foot on the pedal in a high-speed chase that has Tragic Allies riding shotgun. Together the two combine to... Read more

September 4, 2013 Audio, Fresh

DJ Jazzy Jeff – Vinyl Destination Ep. 18 (Video)

DJ Jazzy Jeff tackles Canada in the latest episode of his travel series Vinyl Destination. Check out the video below. Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff – Vinyl Destination, Ep. 17 (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2013 Video

Janelle Monae – The Electric Lady (Full Album Stream)

Janelle Monae gives a full preview of her album which promises to provide the soundtrack for a funky Fall. The Electric Lady includes features from Prince, Erykah Badu, Solange, Big Boi, Cee-Lo, Miguel and more. Check out the full stream below. Related: Janelle Monae – Q.U.E.E.N. ft Erykah Badu (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio

Sean Price – Rumblestick ft Killah Priest (Video)

It's hard to believe it's been 10 months since Mic Tyson released. Sean Price and Duck Down keep promoting the Brownsville bully's best-selling solo work of his career—with new music. Two mid-'90s alums link up in this Heltah Skeltah-meets-Sunz Of Man connection. Simple and effective... with an album worth checking... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lil Wayne – You Song ft Chance The Rapper

Lil Wayne & DJ Drama's Dedication 5 happened. As time shows, Lil Wayne helped guys like 2 Chainz, Curren$y and Drake break mainstream. Chance The Rapper has been one of 2013's dominating new voices, but this Lil Wayne "You Song" (I know, I read that twice too) collaboration may launch... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

King Mez – New Vinyl

The Interstate 95 circuit comes alive in this King Mez and Oddisee collaboration. North Carolina and Washington D.C. rooted (respectively), with New York addresses. This is believed to stem from LLTK2 (Long Live The King 2). As for the contents of the song, more related to automobile interiors than 12"... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

REKS – Flags (Video)

Although Labor Day is rather different in meaning than Memorial Day or 4th of July, the flags were out in full-force yesterday in my travels. One of the best Massachusetts MCs post-Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs got a bit patriotic himself with "Flags." In true REKS fashion, the song looks... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

AZ – Jodeci Back ft Farrah Burns

AZ Tha Visualiza gives a nod to Drake on "Jodeci Back." A glittery AZ verse about fast cars, sex, and lost friends—pretty much what you expect from this man for the last 20 years, a product of "the Jodeci era." This one's from Last Of A Dying Breed II, a... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Loaded Lux – You Gon’ Get This Work (Mixtape)

Wow. Loaded Lux brought out some heavyweights on his new mixtape, including Redman, Method Man, Raekwon, Jadakiss, Bun B and more. You can listen to and download all of You Gon' Get This Work below. Download Mixtape Related: Loaded Lux – Rite ft Redman & Method Man (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2013 Mixes

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Deeper

The Freddie Gibbs & Madlib recording-road gets a bit twistier, as the pair announces the Deeper EP. Pinata (f/k/a Cocaine Pinata) is still coming, but in true [Mad] Beat Konducta style, expect more EPs, more singles, and more vinyl for those of us that are still droppin' plates like bad... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

The Incomparable Shakespeare – #InvincibleDream (Mixtape)

The Incomparable Shakespeare is one of the names gaining fast recognition in 2013. In a slower season for mixtapes, #InvincibleDream is a stellar starting point. Influenced by the likes of Boot Camp Clik, Group Home and East Flatbush Project, there is much to like here. Imagine having a conversation for... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Mixes