News Archives

Mary J. Blige & Grand Puba Gave Us The 411 On The Real Meaning Of Hip-Hop Soul (Video)

On July 28, 1992, Mary J. Blige released a debut album that would alter the course of contemporary R&B and Soul and introduce the world to a new Queen. What's The 411? remains the keystone to her career, 25 years and 12 solo LPs later. A quarter of a century... Read more

July 28, 2017 Audio

The Roots Release A Song To Humanize The Pain, Confusion & Sadness Many Feel (Audio)

Six years ago, Bilal appeared on The Roots' 10th album, undun. That Philadelphia chemistry was also not done. In the time since 2011, Bilal has heavily contributed to important Hip-Hop albums from Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Common. Now, he re-crosses paths with The Roots for a precise take on... Read more

July 27, 2017 Audio

Scarface Is In The Studio With A Key Producer. Rappers Are “In Trouble.” (Video)

One never knows what Scarface's status is until he decides to push the button on music. The Houston, Texas legend has claimed retirement multiple times in his decorated career, only to come back and make some incredible music after the hiatus. In what he considers his 30th year in the... Read more

July 27, 2017 Video

In 1995, Redman Reloaded Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” With A Machine Gun Funk Freestyle (Audio)

At least once a week, heralded British DJ Tim Westwood opens up his vaults and shares goodies from his 30 years in the Hip-Hop game. Today's (July 27), it's a time travel back to 1995. The Notorious B.I.G. had just released "Who Shot Ya?" a B-side single that even apart... Read more

July 27, 2017 Throwback

Stalley Has Cosigns From A Who’s Who Of Rap. He Still Rides His Own Wave (Video)

Massillon, Ohio rapper Stalley has a mixed bag of influences to pull inspiration from. He had admitted influence from home state heroes like The O’Jays, Bootsy Collins, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Kid Kudi, as well as out-of-towners like Nas, Outkast and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few. According to the Maybach... Read more

July 27, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Action Bronson Makes A Demented Video, With Rhymes That Kick Like Kung Fu

Action Bronson may be remembered for his videos as much as his rhyming and antics, when all is said and done. Last month, the Queens, New York rapper released one of the year's most outrageous videos in the form of his Fat Boys-sampling "Let Me Breathe." He has followed it... Read more

July 27, 2017 Video

The Perceptionists Survived Near Death Experiences To Make A 2nd Album. Listen Early.

Boston, Massachusetts Hip-Hop group The Perceptionists haven’t released an album in over a decade. A lot has changed for MCs Mr. Lif and Akrobatik since they dropped their 2005 debut Black Dialogue (which featured fellow Massachusetts legend Guru, Phonte of Little brother and label mate Camu Tao) on El-P's defunct... Read more

July 27, 2017 Audio, Exclusive

Mahershala Ali Says His Role In Roxanne Shanté Biopic Is His Toughest Yet (Audio)

Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali, best known for his iconic roles in Moonlight and Netflix’s Luke Cage series, started his career as a Hieroglyphics affiliate named Prince Ali and has definitely been outspoken about his love for Hip-Hop music. Starring in the highly-anticipated, critically-acclaimed 2017 Roxanne Shanté biopic alongside Chanté Adams... Read more

July 26, 2017 Lifestyle, TV/Film

DOOM, Method Man & Prodigy Appear On Sean Price’s Imperius Rex Tracklist

Sean Price's posthumous Imperius Rex album is nearly two weeks away. The August 8 Duck Down Music release is the project that the Heltah Skeltah co-founder and longstanding Boot Camp Clik MC was working on at the time of his death, two Augusts prior. Earlier this month, a video was... Read more

July 26, 2017 Fresh

Digital Underground’s Money-B Reveals The Secret History Of Tupac’s “I Get Around” (Video)

In 1993, Tupac Shakur dropped Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…, his sophomore solo LP and the home to singles "Holler If Ya Hear Me," "Keep Ya Head Up," and "I Get Around." Featuring Shock G and Money-B of Digital Underground, "I Get Around" has over 39-million views on YouTube, making it one... Read more

July 26, 2017 Video

Apollo Brown & Planet Asia Are Putting That Stank On Ya With Anchovies (Audio)

Apollo Brown will be adding another project to his already robust collection of collaborative projects, this time with MC Planet Asia. The Mello Music Group producer has already teamed up with Guilty Simpson (Dice Game), OC (Trophies), Ras Kass (Blasphemy), and with Skyzoo on 2016's standout LP The Easy Truth, released fewer... Read more

July 25, 2017 Audio

MTV Is Making History By Doing Away With Gendered Categories For The VMAs

Most music fans would likely agree that MTV has long since lost its standing as "Music Television," in both official title and its programming content. However, its annual Video Music Awards ceremony continues to draw millions of viewers and this year's installment is poised to make the television network a... Read more

July 25, 2017 Lifestyle

3D Na’Tee Might Have Outrapped JAY-Z On His Own Song & She Drops Knowledge Too (Audio)

"The Story of O.J." continues to prove to be a source of inspiration for artists. The JAY-Z record with some of 2017's most compelling visual accompaniment is one of 4:44's standout tracks, and has already inspired Detroit rapper Page Kennedy's pen. On the original version, the song is akin to Mos... Read more

July 25, 2017 Audio

Saukrates Is A Pioneering MC Who Has Worked With Nas & Redman. His Story Runs Deep (Video)

Saukrates has a decorated career that includes a position within Redman's Gilla House roster, production for Nas, and his cemented status as a Canadian Hip-Hop legend. He raps, he produces, he sings, and Amani Wailoo also plays multiple instruments. Those who have heard it, tend to agree that 1999's Underground... Read more

July 25, 2017 Exclusive, Now You See Me

Illa J’s Music Enjoys A Rebirth Right Alongside His City (Video)

Illa J has made plenty of meaningful music over the last 13 years. The Yancey Boys co-founder has rapped and produced, and maintained a strong legacy in his older brother's (J Dilla) absence. However, like so many blood relations in the music industry, Illa battled comparisons to his legendary late... Read more

July 25, 2017 Video

Queen Latifah & Jada Pinkett Smith Set It Off Again At The Box Office With “Girls Trip”

Films by Black directors, screenwriters, and casts continue to prove that diverse voices are Hollywood gold. With Straight Outta Compton, Hidden Figures, Moonlight, and Get Out still fresh in our memories, Girls Trip is continuing the recent streak of Black cinema breaking records, winning awards, and driving the conversation about diversity in film. Starring Queen Latifah, Jada... Read more

July 24, 2017 TV/Film

Grand Puba & Sadat X Rip Through Brand Nubian Classics With A Live Band (Video)

On Saturday, July 22, Grand Puba rocked the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City with a live band. For Heads who were unable to attend, there is some exclusive video footage of Puba and Brand Nubian group mate Sadat X, an unannounced guest, performing a couple of... Read more

July 24, 2017 Exclusive, Video

Fashawn’s Mother Amerikkka Shows A Nation Neglecting 1 Of Its Native Sons (Video)

In less than a month, Fashawn will release his Manna EP (August 18). In preparation, the Fresno, California veteran drops a charged video that looks at the flaws of our nation, especially in its treatment of people of color. The MC creates a metaphor where he is a malnourished son,... Read more

July 24, 2017 Video

Fat Joe, MC Lyte, DJ Premier & MC Eiht To Headline Final Rocksteady Anniversary Weekend

Next weekend, the Rocksteady Crew will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The yearly New York City event was announced by Crazy Legs to be the organization's final concert event of this kind. While the R.S.C. lives on, Crazy Legs suggested there would be new platforms put in place to show its... Read more

July 23, 2017 Fresh

Meek Mill’s New Conscious Rap May Be His Most Important Song Yet (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 and... Read more

July 22, 2017 Audio

Sha Stimuli Returns With An Exploration Of American Racism Throughout The Years (Video)

Brooklyn, New York raised, Atlanta, Georgia based MC Sha Stimuli returned off a four year hiatus from the rap race last year with two powerful songs titled “Sticks and Stones” and “New Jordans/A Poem For Mike.” The first was about the effect words can have, while the latter was a... Read more

July 22, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Last Of A Dying Breed: Why Scarface Is The Greatest MC Of All Time (Video)

Scarface is an MC who is a keystone within a legendary group, the Geto Boys. However, he also maintains a solo catalog that is arguably even more impressive. Brad Jordan's career expands nearly 30 years, and the Houston, Texas legend has made a powerful impact with the fans, the critics,... Read more

July 22, 2017 Exclusive, Food for Thought, TBD, Video

Rapsody Shows There’s More Worth In Rapping For Live Presidents (Audio)

For the third week in a row, Rapsody has set free another potent example of her virtuosity as an MC. The Snow Hill, North Carolina Roc Nation signee (and Jamla roster member) has been celebrating #JamRocFridays, a series of releases which, by all outward appearances, seem to be in anticipation... Read more

July 22, 2017 Audio

Meek Mill Is Back And Hungry For Victory In His Funkmaster Flex Freestyle (Video)

It’s no secret that the last few years have been a roller coaster for Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill. Between beefing with Drake and getting dumped by Nicki Minaj, as well as some run-ins with the law, the Maybach Music artist has certainly experienced his share of what many consider losses.... Read more

July 21, 2017 Video

Alchemist & Mobb Deep’s New Song Is A Reminder Of Prodigy’s Quiet Storm (Audio)

In 1999, Mobb Deep released Murda Muzik, the duo's fourth LP and one that featured production from The Alchemist. On the album's eponymous track as well as the Kool G Rap-assisted "The Realest," the producer with a Los Angeles provenance vibed perfectly with Havoc and Prodigy, two of Queensbridge's most notorious... Read more

July 21, 2017 Audio

Masta Ace Calls For A Boycott Until Colin Kaepernick Is Signed

As NFL teams are set to begin their training camps later this month, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and unrestricted free agent Colin Kaepernick has yet to be added to a roster. Many NFL fans, sports media personalities, and celebrities supporting Kaepernick attribute the glaring lack of interest from NFL... Read more

July 21, 2017 Exclusive, Lifestyle, News

One Of Sean Price’s Last Ever Freestyles Was Powered By The Sounds Of Bogota (Video)

Over the years, DJ and producer Mr. Green has released a series of videos titled "Live From The Streets." The visuals feature Mr. Green traveling to various locations around the world, where he records sounds from the streets which he then uses to create beats. In past episodes, Green has... Read more

July 21, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Visits Bob Marley’s Home & Returns With A Song That Claps Like Thunder (Video)

The more details that emerge about JAY-Z's 4:44 album, the more it becomes clear that the album is a reflection of all aspects of the veteran MC. The lyrical content delves more deeply into the mind of Shawn Carter than perhaps any of his earlier work. Jay peels back his... Read more

July 21, 2017 Video

Rakim Salutes JAY-Z’s Growth On His 4:44 Album (Video)

Over the past 3 weeks, JAY-Z has received near universal acclaim for his album, 4:44. Along with being sonically engaging, the No I.D.-produced album may be Jay's most revealing to date. He touches on matters personal to his family, friends, foes, and upbringing, and also shares plentiful jewels about life... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Queen Latifah Says Today’s Rappers Have Gotten Soft (Video)

Queen Latifah recently appeared on Ebro In The Morning. The MC-turned-actress-turned-producer reunited with the radio personality who says he once appeared on an episode of Living Single. In the candid conversation, Queen Lah recalled some career highlights. Queen Latifah Honors Hip-Hop’s Women Pioneers In An All-Star Showing Of U.N.I.T.Y. (Video)... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Stand Up For Those In Poverty (Video)

Rap/Rock supergroup Prophets of Rage, a revolutionary assembly of Public Enemy, Cypress Hill and Rage Against the Machine members, just released the second video single to their self-titled debut, dropping in September. "Living On The 110," a poignant piece about homelessness, follows the Michael Moore directed video for "Unf*ck The... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Lloyd Banks’ Single Shows That His Punchlines Are Still Money (Audio)

G-Unit’s own Lloyd Banks has been “On Fire,” as of late. Last week, the self-proclaimed Punch Line King (aka P.L.K.) caught the game off guard, spitting a scorching freestyle aimed at some of today’s funny-style MCs for Funkmaster Flex on HOT 97. This week, the Queens, New York MC capitalized... Read more

July 20, 2017 Audio

O.J. Simpson Has Been Granted Parole: The Story Of O.J. Continues

For more than 50 of his 70 years on Earth, O.J. Simpson has been at the center of attention. He first became a household name on the football field, followed by on movie screens and televisions around the world. Despite the celebrity he enjoyed for the first 23 of those... Read more

July 20, 2017 Lifestyle

Ice Cube Recalls N.W.A. Getting Booed At The Apollo. It Was Not A Good Day (Video)

N.W.A may have become one of the biggest, most influential and celebrated Rap groups ever, but they had to pay dues first. Ice Cube recently sat down with Pigeons & Planes to share a less flattering moment in the group’s history, the time the Ruthless Records act got booed off... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington Found Dead At Age 41

Chester Bennington was a writer, vocalist and eventual guitarist for band Linkin Park during their five consecutive #1 albums. Today (July 20), Bennington has been confirmed dead. The 41-year-old Phoenix, Arizona native was found hanging in his California home after an apparent suicide. For the Hip-Hop community, Bennington is remembered... Read more

July 20, 2017 News

An Insider Reveals How Suge & Death Row Got Those Unlikely Guest Appearances (Video)

When Death Row Records launched in the early 1990s, they used Hollywood's SOLAR Records Studios to lay their tracks. After making "Deep Cover" for the SOLAR's soundtrack of the same name, Dr. Dre recorded and mixed The Chronic with some of the very same consoles and equipment used to make... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Bun B Puts Big K.R.I.T. In The Musical Driver’s Seat For His Next Album (Video)

Earlier this month, UGK's Bun B showed that he had his game face ready when he released "Game Time." Once a very prolific MC, this is the first solo single from the Port Arthur, Texas O.G. in nearly four years. While he may be devoting much of his time to... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Dr. Dre & Nas Blow The Roof Off On Their Lost Collabo (Audio)

February of 2009 was an interesting time for Aftermath Entertainment. After taking 2008 off entirely (as far as albums), Eminem launched "Crack A Bottle." Released on Groundhog Day (February 2), the song put Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent front and center. The self-proclaimed "3 Headed Monster" was back to... Read more

July 19, 2017 Audio

Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals She Left The Thug Life Right As Tupac Entered (Video)

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith met Tupac Shakur at Baltimore School For The Arts in the mid-1980s. While Pinkett would graduate in 1989, Pac and his family relocated to Marin City, California in 1988. While Shakur paid his dues as a roadie, dancer, and eventual MC with Digital Underground, Jada made... Read more

July 19, 2017 Video

Respect The Sole: A New Collection Of Hip-Hop Sneakers Is Genius (Video)

Sneakers and Hip-Hop have been hand-in-hand for more than 30 years. In 1986 Run-D.M.C. screamed "My Adidas" so loud that the German apparel brand responded with a check. That relationship has evolved to JAY-Z, 50 Cent, and Kanye West signing off on shoe lines, and some equally great Rap lines... Read more

July 19, 2017 Video

2 Chainz Is Working With Q-Tip On An Album To Show The World He’s A Lyricist (Video)

While respected by his peers, 2 Chainz is generally not revered as a lyricist among most Hip-Hop Heads. Enlisting the help of A Tribe Called Quest’s visionary rapper/producer Q-Tip, the Playaz Circle artist hopes to change that perception. To follow up his fourth studio album as a solo artist, last... Read more

July 19, 2017 Video

Dave Chappelle Tells Stretch & Bob The Back-Story Of Hosting SNL After The Election (Audio)

Hip-Hop radio icons Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia have returned to the airwaves, though in a different format. Bringing their decades of experience and expansive breadth of music knowledge to National Public Radio (NPR), the two men largely responsible for breaking the likes of The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and... Read more

July 19, 2017 Audio

Page Kennedy’s Freestyle Replies To JAY-Z’s Story Of O.J. & Adds A Chapter (Audio)

JAY-Z made one of his most provocative songs in years with 4:44's "The Story Of OJ," while dropping jewels about ownership, accumulating wealth, and still dealing with institutional racism in 2017. Along the way, Hov apparently chided some of Rap's underclassmen. "Y'all on the 'Gram holdin' money to your ear /... Read more

July 19, 2017 Audio

Cam’ron Kicks A Freestyle About The Importance Of Ownership & Not Getting Played (Video)

Cam'ron has been relatively quiet in 2017, musically. However, he has stayed active in other ways. In February, Cam and fellow Dipset member, Jim Jones, traded words via separate interviews (and Cam's live stream) about the deterioration of Dipset and what went wrong between the two estranged friends and business partners.... Read more

July 18, 2017 Video

Nanna.B & Odd Future’s Hodgy Make A Golden Video About Protecting One’s Treasures

Los Angeles, California (by way of Denmark) songstress Nanna.B is not an MC, but she is attracting Hip-Hop artists to her soulful ceremony. She is gearing up to release the EP, Golden this Friday (July 21). On the title track, Nanna is produced by none other than Aftermath's Anderson .Paak,... Read more

July 18, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Twelvyy Steps To The Front Of A$AP Mob And Takes His Shot (Video)

UPDATE: A$AP Twelvyy has released the visual to "Strapped." The artful visual captures the New York MC in his element as he tells his story. Old A$AP Mob footage shows Ferg, the late Yams, and more as the crew's 2010 rise is documented. Twelvyy looks to stand apart, and his... Read more

July 18, 2017 Video

Cypress Hill To Hit The East Coast For Haunted Hill Mini-Tour

The group Cypress Hill is hard at work on its ninth album, Elephants On Acid. With DJ Muggs at the helm of production for the first time since 2004's Till Death Do Us Part. In preparation, B-Real, Sen Dog, Eric Bobo and Muggs announce the Haunted Hill mini-tour. The three-day... Read more

July 18, 2017 Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Shows He’s Got Generosity & Charity Inside His DNA (Video)

Last month, Dr. Dre announced he would be donating $10 million to break ground on a performing arts wing within his Compton High School alma mater. In The Defiant Ones documentary, Dre toured the present grounds and showed development plans. They include a recording studio, complete with a mixing board,... Read more

July 18, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

Michael Vick Clarifies Remarks About Colin Kaepernick & His Hair (Video)

UPDATE: Hours after retired NFL quarterback Michael Vick made remarks regarding what peer Colin Kaepernick may need to do should he wish to work again in the NFL, he has clarified those comments. In a tweet Tuesday morning, the onetime Atlanta Falcons star took attention away from his Speak For... Read more

July 18, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

Lil Fame, Styles P & Conway Wage Mortal Kombat With The Mic & Finish It (Audio)

Just days after M.O.P.'s Lil Fame and The LOX's Styles P appeared together on Chris Rivers' behalf, they're back for more. The Brooklyn and Yonkers connection resumes alongside Buffalo's Conway The Machine for "Finish Him." This track is inspired by Mortal Kombat for producer Planit Hank's LP. Styles, Conway, and... Read more

July 17, 2017 Audio