News Archives

Russell Simmons Is The Latest To Be Accused In A Wave Of Sexual Misconduct

In recent weeks, celebrities, media moguls, and politicians have been accused of past sexual misconduct. Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Louis C.K. are just some of the very public figures who have been named in these allegations. This weekend, Hip-Hop, fashion, and comedy mogul Russell Simmons is the latest to... Read more

November 19, 2017 News

Pete Rock Goes Hard In The Paint At Waka Flocka For Disrespecting Hip-Hop’s OGs

At the top of this month, rapper Waka Flocka Flame appeared in a lengthy video interview with the ThisIs50 staff. Among a host of topics, the gold-certified rapper defended his generation and faulted Hip-Hop's older community for not properly informing him and his peers about the industry, and providing necessary information. Around... Read more

November 19, 2017 News, Video

See The Evolution Of Hip-Hop From 1979 To The Present In 30 Minutes (Video)

Over the years, there have been a number of vehicles that show the transformation of Hip-Hop from its inception to the present. The vast majority of these tend to be either hyper-kinetic mashups that showcase 2-3 second snippets of songs, or exhaustive documentaries that unfold over hours, showcasing years of... Read more

November 18, 2017 Video

Conway, Westside Gunn & Termanology Wreck A Great Statik Selektah Beat. It’s That Simple (Video)

"Can it be that it was all so simple then." Often song titles, specific words or certain visuals lend themselves to clever narratives and plays on words with respect to the subject. However, sometimes great music is just that: great music. Such is the case for Statik Selektah's latest release,... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

DJ Premier & A$AP Ferg’s Conversation Shows Rap’s Generations Have More In Common Than Not (Video)

Gang Starr's DJ Premier is an important part of the Bad Boy Records story. He produced "Unbelievable," one of Biggie Smalls' most beloved songs. The Ready To Die inclusion first released as the B-side to crossover hit "Juicy." For the diamond-certified Life After Death, Preemo laced The Notorious B.I.G. with... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

Madlib, Talib Kweli & More Released New Music Today. Here’s Some Of The Best (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

November 17, 2017 Audio

Evidence Reveals His Next Album Title & Tracklist. The New Video Is Bananas.

This April, Dilated Peoples and Stepbrothers member Evidence released "Throw It All Away." The video single (which has been a staple on the Ambrosia For Heads playlist since) featured some of the most heartfelt rapping to date from the Venice, California Grammy Award-winner. The second single, "Jim Dean" keeps the... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

Kidz In The Hall Are Releasing A New Album. Here’s The 1st Video.

Bubbling up as a summery ode to Naledge’s home-town, Chicago, “Dear Eastside” marks the welcome return of the Pop-retro Hip-Hop duo, Kidz In The Hall. Kidz in the Hall signed with Rawkus Records in 2006, releasing the cult-lauded School Was My Hustle on the label. Since their Rawkus tenure, Naledge... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

From Q-Tip To Chappelle, Talib Kweli’s Inner-Circle Shines In His New Video

Since the 1990s, Talib Kweli has maintained his role as one of Hip-Hop's leading voices striving for political empowerment and enlightenment. His passion for preaching righteousness and seeking justice had recently got Kweli's Twitter account briefly suspended for calling out a racist, homophobic lawyer. It may be poetic coincidence that... Read more

November 17, 2017 Video

Dave Chappelle Spoofs “Stranger Things” In The Trailer For His New Comedy Special (Video)

There may be new incentive to stay in on this New Year's Eve. It has been announced that Dave Chappelle's third stand-up special of 2017 will be arriving on the last day of the year. Already in '17, Chappelle released The Age Of Spin and Deep In The Heart Of Texas... Read more

November 17, 2017 Lifestyle, News, TV/Film

JAY-Z Says The Criminal Justice System Stalks Black People

JAY-Z has devoted a lot of his time in the last year to fighting the prison industry. The artist-turned-mogul who rapped on "Justify My Thug" that he'd never been to jail has made it a personal point to advocate for prisoner's rights, as well as provide resources to end recidivism.... Read more

November 17, 2017 Lifestyle, News

LL Cool J Couldn’t Live Without His Radio. Now He’s Getting His Own Station.

LL Cool J's debut album Radio released 32 years ago this weekend (November 18, 1985). The Def Jam Records classic featured the pride of Farmers Boulevard rapping about women in his life, his promises of Rap stardom, and telling other MCs why they were inferior in so many ways. Radio... Read more

November 17, 2017 News

Jaden Smith Is Out To Eat Other MCs For Breakfast…Including His Father (Audio)

Since his days as The Fresh Prince, Will Smith's music career may live in the backseat of his Hollywood accomplishments, but it is the impetus. In five albums with DJ Jazzy Jeff and some solo releases, Will Smith was gifted at making songs for mainstream and youth America while still... Read more

November 17, 2017 Audio

Remy Ma & Lil Kim Send A Wake Up Call To Nicki Minaj About Who’s The Queen Bee (Video)

For the last few years, Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj have been engaged in a back and forth that has ranged from cold war to full on nuclear attack. For every move there has been a counter-move, so it comes as no surprise that, a day after Nicki attempted to... Read more

November 16, 2017 Video

CyHi The Prynce Explains Why He Likens JAY-Z To A Modern Day Martin Luther King (Video)

CyHi The Prynce is recognized for his ability to combine the spiritual and political in his rhymes, so it’s no surprise he relates to the world and the people within it through a similar lens. When speaking with Billboard this week, CyHi likened JAY-Z, the man he considers his mentor, to Civil... Read more

November 16, 2017 News, Video

Kobe Bryant & Kendrick Lamar Share Their Secrets On What It Takes To Become Great (Video)

At the peak of his career, Kobe Bryant was indisputably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, basketball players on the planet. In the 2005-2006 season, alone, he put on a display of dominance not seen in the modern era, with more than 20 40+ point games, 5 more... Read more

November 15, 2017 Video

The Man Who Guided Nas’ Career Has $70 Million To Help Hip-Hop Artists Keep Their Masters

Master recordings are coveted in the music industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, many Hip-Hop artists signed contracts that gave away ownership of master recordings to record labels. With resources, relationships, and infrastructure, they would generate songs that would hopefully turn to hits, and the artist's star would rise. That... Read more

November 15, 2017 News, Video

The Artifacts’ First Album In 20 Years Is On Its Way (Video)

New Jersey's Artifacts are revered as forefathers to the late '90s Underground Hip-Hop movement. MCs El Da Sensei and Tame One threw up their graffiti roots on important singles such as 1994's "Wrong Side Of Da Tracks" and called out for a culture of purists on "C'Mon Wit Da Get... Read more

November 15, 2017 News, Video

Get Out Is Classified As A Comedy For Awards Season & Jordan Peele Is Not Laughing

2017 film Get Out won over critics and audiences alike. Jordan Peele's film debut with a $4.5 million budget grossed more than $250 million, worldwide. Approaching awards season, the movie starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, and Bradley Whitford was submitted to the Golden Globes, in the "Best Motion Picture - Musical... Read more

November 15, 2017 News, TV/Film

Cam’ron & Jim Jones Are Back In Business. Their Reunion Revives The Dipset Sound (Audio)

Next week (November 21), The Diplomats will perform their first concert in years. The Hammerstein Ballroom reunion performance of Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zekey comes after a very public break-up between Cam' and Jimmy. Late last year, Killa waved off any possibility of reconciliation. “I wish [Jim... Read more

November 15, 2017 Audio

Sway Makes His 5 Fingers Of Death Freestyle Challenge Harder But Dee-1 Keeps The Faith (Video)

Sway & King Tech's Wake Up Show made the freestyle a mandatory calling card for any MC who wanted to promote something. That tradition goes back to the '90s. In the 2010s, Sway In The Morning's 5 Fingers Of Death challenge is what keeps some MCs up at night. The stage has... Read more

November 14, 2017 Video

GQ Is Next Up In 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Video Premiere)

GQ is the artist 9th Wonder calls his “secret weapon” at Jamla Records. Over the past few years, the Bay area native has released several records (including 2014's Rated Oakland) as part of the label roster that have cemented his reputation as an artist with fine lyricism and a clearly defined... Read more

November 14, 2017 Exclusive, Video

Kendrick Lamar Explains Why Every Rapper Is Conscious

Kendrick Lamar is on the cover of the upcoming issue of Forbes magazine. The Compton, California superstar leads the way on the "30 Under 30" music issue. Less than six months after he celebrated his 30th trip around the sun, the TDE MC is reported by the publication to be... Read more

November 14, 2017 Fresh

Andre 3000’s New Sneaker Line Is Oh So Fresh & So Clean

For the Hip-Hop faithful, any news within the past decade of the iconic and avant-garde, yet bashful André 3000 flexing his creative muscle has been welcomed news. Fresh off of lacing the masses with a short-lived sneak-peak at his first verse of 2017, 3 Stacks is keeping the creative momentum... Read more

November 14, 2017 Fresh, Lifestyle

CyHi The Prynce’s Gospel Is Designed To Help All Reach Their Dreams (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce's just-released “God Bless Your Heart" is the latest single from his debut LP, No Dope On Sundays due to drop this Friday (November 17). Along with a preview stream of the Sony release, the Atlanta, Georgia MC recently told NPR, “Even though it's rough in our neighborhoods,... Read more

November 14, 2017 Audio

Caleborate Is A Soulful MC With A 2017 Album That Should Not Be Overlooked (Video)

One year ago this month, Berkeley, California MC Caleborate made his Ambrosia For Heads debut with "Game Over." In retrospect, he was only getting started. This year, the artist who has collaborated with IDK, Sylvan LaCue, and Nef The Pharaoh released Real Person. The TBKTR album follows last year's thematic... Read more

November 14, 2017 Video

Joell Ortiz & Fred The Godson Roar Like Godzilla In An Ode To New York (Audio)

At the Y2K pinnacle of Rawkus Records, Pharoahe Monch eclipsed his Organized Konfusion success with an onslaught of solo hits. The first cut was probably the deepest, thanks to "Simon Says." The Queens, New York MC/producer used the Godzilla theme in a beat that transcended single, into an all-out club banger... Read more

November 14, 2017 Audio

Standing Tall: Colin Kaepernick Is GQ’s 2017 Citizen Of The Year (Video)

In September, the NFL Players Association gave Colin Kaepernick "The Community MVP" award. The gesture came during a season where the former NFC champion is not playing and is not even attached to any team in the league. Today (November 13), those humanitarian efforts are echoed as GQ magazine crowns... Read more

November 13, 2017 Last 7, Lifestyle

Iman Shumpert’s Freestyle Can’t Be Faded. Dame Lillard Has Company (Video)

Almost 25 years after B-Ball's Best Kept Secret, there's a whole host of new hoopers with Hip-Hop hops. For several years now, Portland Trailblazers' all-star Damian "Dame Dolla" Lillard has become the NBA's apparent rapper laureate with albums, and a fair share of standout freestyles. Now, Iman Shumpert wants in.... Read more

November 13, 2017 Video

The Pharcyde Release A Deluxe Edition Of Their Debut Album With 16 Bonus Songs (Audio)

Next week (November 24) marks 25 years since The Pharcyde released debut album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. With that milestone, a new "deluxe edition" box-set emerges to celebrate the gold-certified Delicious Vinyl LP with 16 bonus songs. Crate Recordings assembles the material, which is available for stream (below). The... Read more

November 13, 2017 Audio, News, Playlists

Fashawn Is An Introspective Gangsta Rapper & Demonstrates Both Sides (Video)

Fashawn rose to form through 2009's acclaimed Boy Meets World, produced by Exile. The Fresno, California MC used that album to discuss poverty, rotating father figures, and a deep introspective take on the world around him, through the eyes of his younger self. However, on both his Grizzly City mixtapes... Read more

November 13, 2017 Video

De La Soul’s Latest Music Video Has Dave Making A Serious Health Announcement

De La Soul is at work promoting 2016's Grammy-nominated album, and the anonymous nobody... Videos continue to drop in support of the self-released LP featuring 2 Chainz, Pete Rock, Snoop Dogg, David Byrne, and many others. "Royalty Capes" is the latest. The song released ahead of the album, in July... Read more

November 12, 2017 News, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Kicks The Freestyle Of His Career & One Of The Year’s Best (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. is underrated. Over the last seven years, he has given Hip-Hop some of its finest moments. His mixtapes K.R.I.T. Wuz Here and Return of 4eva were among the best in their respective years. 2012's "Mt. Olympus" was arguably the most potent response record to Kendrick Lamar's "Control" verse... Read more

November 11, 2017 Video

Why Eminem Is His Own Toughest Critic (Video)

After great anticipation, Eminem began his Revival yesterday (November 10). "Walk On Water" is a single with a fitting title. Until the song released, no one knew that Beyoncé would be on the track, or that its production would be unlike anything Marshall Mathers ever rocked from Dr. Dre, the... Read more

November 11, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Twitter Suspends Talib Kweli’s Account Following War Of Words With Texas Lawyer

Social media platform Twitter suspended the account of Talib Kweli this week after it claimed the Black Star and Reflection Eternal MC incited harassment towards a Texas-based lawyer after he posted the attorney’s business address to his more than one million followers online. In an interview with Uproxx, Kweli said... Read more

November 10, 2017 Lifestyle, News

The Kennedy Center Is Celebrating Rap’s Pioneers With A Concert Series

The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center has gradually created a bona fide space for Hip-Hop within its gates over the past year. It has appointed A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip as its First Artistic Director of Hip-Hop Culture in 2016 and is awarding LL Cool J as the first ever... Read more

November 10, 2017 News

Eminem Lists All The Reasons Why He’s NOT A Rap God In A Powerful New Song (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

November 10, 2017 Audio

Chris Rivers Clarifies His Recent Controversial Music Video About Domestic Abuse (Video)

Today (November 10) would have been Big Pun's 46th birthday. The legendary Bronx, New York MC died at the age of 28, on February 7, 2000, from heart failure. Christopher Rios' only son, who shares his name and raps under the moniker Chris Rivers has celebrated his father, as well... Read more

November 10, 2017 Video

Andre 3000 Gives NER*D His First Verse Of 2017 (Audio)

In two separate recent interviews, André 3000 has suggested that he feels out of place with making Hip-Hop music in 2017. Citing his age and a season in his life where he recently lost his parents while sending his son to college, 'Dre is experimenting. The Rap legend confirms he... Read more

November 10, 2017 Audio

Irv Gotti Says He Stopped Suge Knight From Releasing A Jennifer Lopez Sex Tape (Video)

In 2002, Irv Gotti produced two #1 remix singles for Jennifer Lopez. As a supplement to the actress-singer's quadruple-platinum J.Lo LP, she took a page from Mary J. Blige by releasing J To Tha L-O!: The Remixes. Like it's companion, the Epic Records remix album went to #1, featuring Hip-Hop guests... Read more

November 9, 2017 Video

ScHoolboy Q Takes The Classic Symphony Beat & Makes It A Gangsta Party (Audio)

ScHoolboy Q is putting the finishing touches on his follow-up to the Grammy-nominated The Blank Face LP. In the meantime, Groovy Q makes a welcomed appearance care of longtime collaborator, Traffic. After the pair worked together on 2016 video single "Tookie Knows II," Q is featured on the just-released All... Read more

November 9, 2017 Audio, The Bridge

CyHi The Prynce Bodies 5 Fingers Of Death. Sway Says He “May Be The Best Rapper Out” (Video)

UPDATE: Hours after his exceptional Sway In The Morning "5 Fingers Of Death" freestyle (below), CyHi The Prynce's pre-album campaign continues. The Sony Records artist dropped second No Dope On Sundays single "I'm Fine." This one features fellow G.O.O.D. Music family member Travis Scott. The song features heavy organs, Scott handling... Read more

November 9, 2017 Video

Meek Mill Is Back In Jail Even Though The D.A. & Police Don’t Want Him There (Video)

Today (November 8), Meek Mill turned himself into processing with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He begins a sentence ordered Monday (November 6) of two-to-four years for probation violation. Meanwhile, Meek Mill’s lawyer is upping the ante in his battle of words against the judge overseeing the case. Joe Tacopina,... Read more

November 8, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, News, Video

Irv Gotti Explains Why Nas & Murder Inc.’s Brief Union Was A Huge Mistake (Video)

Irv Gotti is the latest guest on Drink Champs, and the beverages flowed in a big way. The Queens, New Yorker began as a DJ, became one of Hip-Hop's biggest A&Rs (at Def Jam) along with a producer charging $250,000 per beat. However, Gotti is best known for founding Murder... Read more

November 8, 2017 Video

Sean Price’s Eternal Talent Shines On A Track By Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs (Video)

Through the later years of Sean Price's career, he became the consummate cleanup batter whenever he stepped to the mic on a track that featured multiple MCs. More times than not, "P!" figuratively smacked the beat out of the park with his gruff delivery, compound rhymes, and alliterative wordplay. Price... Read more

November 8, 2017 Video

Lil’ Kim Shows She’s The Original Queen Bee As She & Remy Ma Sting Nicki Minaj (Audio)

Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj have one of Rap music's longest-running beefs. Before Nick' was a YMCMB superstar, she apparently took early shots at Kim on Hoodstarz mixtapes. As Minaj's career rose meteorically in the late 2000s, Kim called out the fellow New Yorker for copying her style of rhyme... Read more

November 8, 2017 Audio, The Bridge

Freddie Gibbs Is On Nobody’s Wave But His Own & He’s Riding High (Audio)

After a quiet period following his latest album, You Only Live 2wice, which dropped back in March, Freddie Gibbs is back with a new single. Linking up with French producer FEYNMAN, "THE WAVE" fits sonically with Gibbs' last album, with its hard-hitting, but still introspective atmosphere. Over a spacey, bass-heavy... Read more

November 8, 2017 Audio

Say It Ain’t So. DJ Cash Money Is Hanging Up His Turntables (Video)

DJ Cash Money is one of Hip-Hop's greatest innovators behind the wheels of steel. Today (November 7), after well over 30 years in the music and culture, the artist born Jerome Hewlett has announced that he has retired. "It's official...I'm out the game. Thank you guys for all of the... Read more

November 7, 2017 News, Video

Ghostface Killah’s “Worldwide” Gets An Official Remix Featuring A Soulful Live Band (Audio)

In 2016, Ghostface Killah released video single "Worldwide" with French DJ/producer Wax Tailor. Always prolific, Tony Starks made a song about acquiring stamps in his passport as he kicks science and rugged raps while trotting the globe. Some a la carte singles come and go for any artist, but "Worldwide"... Read more

November 7, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar & Kobe Bryant Discuss What It Takes To Be Great (Video)

At the peak of his career, Kobe Bryant was indisputably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, basketball players on the planet. In the 2005-2006 season, alone, he put on a display of dominance not seen in the modern era, with more than 20 40+ point games, 5 more... Read more

November 7, 2017 Video