News Archives

10 Years Ago, Blu & Exile’s “Below The Heavens” Resurrected Underground Rap

Ten years ago (July 17, 2007), Blu & Exile combined forces for their Below The Heavens album. At a time when so-called "underground Hip-Hop" was sounding like a passé term, if not taken as an unintended diss, these two Southern Californians excited the culture through very straightforwardly channeling their souls... Read more

July 17, 2017 Food for Thought, Throwback

For 1st Time Ever, Americans Are Consuming Hip-Hop More Than Rock Music

From fashion to language, Hip-Hop culture has left its imprint on far more than just music. What was once shrugged off as a fad is now the globe's dominant cultural force, with more and more reports being published to offer up statistical proof. In 2015, Hip-Hop was crowned as the... Read more

July 17, 2017 Fresh

Vic Mensa Crashes & Burns With Rage Then Rises Again (Video)

Lots has been said about Vic Mensa's consistently outspoken nature, a characteristic of both his music and personal views. A vociferous critic of political policies in his native Chicago, Vic also recently made waves calling out DJ Akademiks for what he perceived to be the latter's nonchalant ignorance about homicides... Read more

July 17, 2017 Video

A Never Before Released Fugees Song Reminds That They Are The Ish (Audio)

Over the years, there have been certain groups in Hip-Hop who disbanded seemingly before their work together was finished. This was the case for Black Star, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Little Brother and A Tribe Called Quest. Of course, the last example released their surprise final album in 2016.... Read more

July 16, 2017 Audio

Video Music Box Was The 1st Rap City & Ralph McDaniels Was The Mayor (Video)

Today (July 15), "Uncle" Ralph McDaniels will resume his longstanding post as one of the hosts at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. As he has done in four different decades, Ralph finds Hip-Hop culture in the flesh and transmits his excitement, passion, and belief onto the masses. A DJ, college student,... Read more

July 15, 2017 Exclusive, Food for Thought, TBD, TV, Video

Rapsody Shows Once Again That Few MCs Can Hang With Her Whether Male Of Female (Audio)

For fans of Rapsody, the last couple of weeks have been golden. The North Carolina MC is celebrating her two musical families, Jamla and Roc Nation, with #JamRocFridays, releasing new music for what are now two consecutive weeks. As fans continue to anticipate the impending release of her first full... Read more

July 15, 2017 Audio

Lloyd Banks Rips Today’s Funny Dressing MCs In 1 Of The Year’s Best Freestyles (Video)

There’s something about the rolling bass, accented piano stabs and knockin’ boom bap drums of the beat for Nas' classic “N.Y. State of Mind” that brings out the best in MCs. In rare form, fellow Queens, New York representative Lloyd Banks stopped by HOT 97 to kick it with Funkmaster... Read more

July 14, 2017 Video

D’Angelo’s Sweet Brown Sugar Re-release Includes Redman, AZ & DJ Premier Collabos

Twenty-two years ago this month D'Angelo released his celebrated debut album, Brown Sugar. That EMI Records effort would debut at #22, and march onward to platinum status and four Grammy nominations. The album, and its five-year hold before a follow-up introduced one of the modern stars of Soul music. D'Angelo... Read more

July 14, 2017 Fresh

Sean Price Goes Ape On Alchemist Production In The 1st Video To His Upcoming Album

Duck Down Music dropped a video for the title track off Sean Price’s upcoming posthumous album, Imperius Rex, in which the late, great MC goes ape over a wild Alchemist beat. Keeping in line with the gorilla theme prevalent in much of his work, the rhymes and visuals are fittingly... Read more

July 14, 2017 Video

Vic Mensa Holds Nothing Back On His New Single. The Autobiography Is Personal (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 14, 2017 Audio, Playlists

Chris Rivers, Styles P, Sheek Louch & Lil Fame Unite On A Track & It’s Far From Fair (Audio)

M.O.P. and The LOX. Those are two New York City institutions for making "wild out" street music. The angst, the imagery, and the aggressive deliveries for each group have been storied for well over 20 years. Three members from those groups come out to support somebody who carries on tradition.... Read more

July 14, 2017 Audio

JAY-Z’s Turns His Apology To Beyonce Into A Powerful Short Film (Video)

JAY-Z has now made his second music video from 4:44 available to the masses. The title track from the No I.D.-produced album comes as a music video that is just as evocative as "The Story Of O.J." with an entirely different medium and aesthetic. How JAY-Z’s New Album Is The... Read more

July 14, 2017 Video

Conway & Westside Gunn Slow It Down But Keep It Grimy On A Soulful Alchemist Beat (Audio)

Hall N’ Nash, aka Buffalo, New York brothers Conway and Westside Gunn, are back at it for the addicts over a soulful Alchemist beat. The recent Shady Records signees have been working with the legendary producer heavy, as of late, reportedly recording an entire project with him in only two days,... Read more

July 13, 2017 Audio

Dave Chappelle & Kendrick Lamar Have A Deep Conversation Between 2 Masters At Work

Andy Warhol created Interview magazine in 1969 to allow interesting, creative people to have conversations, and let the public get rare access through reading. Two people dealing with industries that are foreign to most people can yield an interesting, intimate conversation different than the media-facing interview or the staged red... Read more

July 13, 2017 Fresh

Masta Killa Is Releasing His First Album In 5 Years. His New Single Shares OG Wisdom (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan’s own Masta Killa is preparing to release his upcoming album, Loyalty Is Royalty, on Nature Sounds this fall. The LP will be his first solo effort since Selling My Soul in 2012, and his fourth overall. Although the veteran Brooklyn, New York MC may not put out music... Read more

July 13, 2017 Audio

The D.O.C. Talks Accepting His Newfound Voice & Helping Others Find Theirs (Video)

The D.O.C. is one of the many Hip-Hop artists who appear in The Defiant Ones docu-series. From his days with the Fila Fresh Crew, the Dallas, Texas native MC is one of the few to have worked with Dr. Dre at Ruthless, at Death Row, and Aftermath. In the four-part... Read more

July 13, 2017 Video

Logic Literally May Have Saved Lives With The Release Of His Latest Album

The impact of Rap songs on the real lives of listeners continues to thrive well into the genre's 5th decade of existence. On his latest album, May's Everybody, Logic featured a song with the curious title "1-800-273-8255." Featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid, the LP's third single draws its name from the... Read more

July 13, 2017 Lifestyle

Snoop Dogg May Receive An Emmy Award Before Getting A Grammy

After 18 nominations, Snoop Dogg has never received a Grammy award in his 25-year music career. Tha Doggfather, whose trophy case does boast an American Music Award and a BET Award, may soon earn an Emmy. The Grammys Are Making Changes To Do Better By Rap. Now Maybe Snoop &... Read more

July 13, 2017 Fresh, News, TV

A New Study Suggests Record Labels Are Ignoring The Popularity Of Pro-Social Hip-Hop

A new study out of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) is turning a common misconception about what fans of Rap want to hear on its head. Generally speaking, the radio and the industry at large are often criticized for promoting music with negative messages, ones drenched in... Read more

July 13, 2017 Fresh

Action Bronson Stands Up To Get His Album Released & Flex On A Freestyle (Video)

Action Bronson stopped by HOT 97 to serve up some fresh freestyle bars for Funkmaster Flex and promote his upcoming project, Blue Chips 7000, which has yet to receive an official release date. Reiterating the sentiment expressed in a frustrated tweet months back, Bronson sets it off the rap with... Read more

July 13, 2017 Video

Rob Markman Says He’s Better Than MCs He’s Interviewed & Freestyles To Prove It (Video)

Rob Markman and "freestyle" typically only appear in the same sentence when the veteran journalist is writing about a hot verse dropped by an established rapper. A longtime presence in Hip-Hop journalism, Markman is currently Head of Artist Relations at Genius, but he has many years of work putting pen... Read more

July 13, 2017 Video

2 Live Crew’s Fresh Kid Ice Has Died At Age 53

After more than 34 years in Hip-Hop, 2 Live Crew founding member and author Fresh Kid Ice died yesterday morning (July 12) in Miami, Florida. The MC and artist born Christopher Wong Won was 53 years old at the time of his death. TMZ confirmed the news after speaking with... Read more

July 13, 2017 News

Joey Bada$$ Ranks Kendrick Lamar’s Albums, As A Fan & Peer (Video)

Joey Bada$$ recently sat down with Montreality to discuss some of his views concerning everything from Kendrick Lamar to mumble rap to suicide. Early in the interview, the 22 year-old MC also expresses his love for JAY-Z’s 4:44 album, as well as the belief that his own music has helped inspire... Read more

July 12, 2017 Video

Dr. Dre Reveals He & Eminem Started Making Their 1st Hit Within Seconds Of Meeting (Video)

Musicians can potentially require an extensive amount of days, weeks, months, or even years to produce a hit record, especially if it is their first. When Dr. Dre met Eminem for the first time in Dre's Los Angeles home studio, their creative process only needed a matter of seconds to... Read more

July 12, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Murs Revives Paid Dues. Raekwon, Ghostface, PRhyme & More To Perform

Starting in 2006, Murs created and curated the Paid Dues Music Festival in and around Los Angeles, California. The Living Legends MC made a stage for many of his independent peers, friends, and acts whose music he liked. By 2007, Paid Dues teamed with Guerilla Union to do a full-on... Read more

July 12, 2017 Fresh

Cold 187um Claims Dr. Dre Jacked His G-Funk & Names Songs To Prove It (Audio)

This week, The Defiant Ones docu-series is telling Dr. Dre's story. Twenty-five years ago, the N.W.A. co-founder released his solo debut, The Chronic. The first album on Death Row Records is credited for galvanizing G-Funk, a type of sample-based sound in Gangsta Rap that propelled the sub-genre into the MTV/Top... Read more

July 12, 2017 Audio, Throwback

Jimmy Iovine Reveals He Was Behind Suge Knight Bailing Tupac Out Of Jail

In October of 1995, Tupac Shakur signed with Death Row Records. Reportedly inking his deal on a napkin, Pac joined Dr. Dre and Suge Knight's reigning and equally notorious record label. In that transaction, Shakur was able to post bail and leave Clinton Correctional Facility. In a matter of days,... Read more

July 11, 2017 News, Throwback, TV, TV/Film

Dreamville’s J.I.D. Is Making Introductions While Saying Bye To The Competition (Audio)

J.I.D. is the latest bubbling MC on J. Cole's Dreamville roster. The Atlanta, Georgia native dropped a monster of a solo debut with this spring's The Never Story (among AFH's best of '17, so far). Of the Spillage Village crew, J.I.D. keeps a low profile, and has not relied on... Read more

July 11, 2017 Audio

Skyzoo & !llmind Make Boom Bap With Finesse (Audio)

Skyzoo & !llmind have made some very significant music together. The New York/New Jersey connect made 2010's Live From The Tapedeck collaboration, with a number of works on albums before, and after. Skyzoo’s New Video Plays Out A Childhood Dream Of Performing On Stretch & Bobbito’s Show "Finesse Everything" is... Read more

July 11, 2017 Audio

Bone Thugs Pay Respect To Hip-Hop’s Fallen Heroes & All Those Gone Too Soon (Video)

The biggest hit of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's career was a soulful tribute. "Tha Crossroads" honored the dead within the Ohio collective, as well as their late mentor, Eazy-E. With an emotional music video, the spiritual song propelled the group for the next 20-plus-years. Bizzy Says He & Krayzie Are The Ones... Read more

July 11, 2017 Video

The Wire Creator’s Next Series Takes A Bite Out Of The Rotten Apple (Video)

Writer/director David Simon has been praised for portraying authentic environments. With The Wire, he transported millions of living-rooms to a Baltimore, Maryland grid they may never otherwise see, let alone understand. Treme carefully delved into post-Katrina New Orleans, and Generation Kill retraced the steps in the Invasion of Iraq. What If... Read more

July 11, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

J. Cole Reveals The Beat For “Neighbors” Is 1 Of His Other Songs Played Backwards (Video)

Sometimes the best place to hide something is in the most obvious place. A prime example of that adage occurred during J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only Tour stop in Anaheim, California last night (July 9) when the Dreamville founder revealed a gem for that particular crowd’s ears only regarding... Read more

July 10, 2017 Video

Fat Joe Explains Why KRS-One Is Still #1 To Him (Video)

Fat Joe is one of Hip-Hop's most recognizable stars. A member of both Terror Squad and Diggin' In The Crates, the veteran has taken his dynamic brand of Hip-Hop across the world. Throughout the 2000s, he has been one of the biggest representatives from the Bronx borough. Fat Joe Airs... Read more

July 10, 2017 Video

A New Show Is Bringing Conscious Hip-Hop Back To Radio (Audio)

In recent years, Rap radio has been heavily criticized for being washed out and repetitive, playing only what's hot right now and providing listeners with the same content over and over. But Hip-Hop's relationship with radio hasn't always been so disjointed. For much of its lifespan, the culture was promoted... Read more

July 10, 2017 Audio

Prodigy Mural Permanently Removed After Being Vandalized Twice In A Week (Video)

Less than a week after a mural dedicated to Mobb Deep co-founder Prodigy was painted, it has twice been defaced. Saturday morning (July 8), the Queens, New York mural created by Jeff Henriquez and Eli “Eos” Lazare was covered by white paint. At the time, the mural was less than... Read more

July 10, 2017 Fresh

The FDA Has Approved A New Sickle Cell Treatment For The 1st Time In 20 Years

Prodigy, the late rapper who suffered from sickle-cell disease, played an important role in opening up dialogues about health in communities of color. The illness - which primarily affects African-Americans, Latinos, and other racial minority groups - caused him tremendous pain and suffering, a struggle about which he spoke frankly... Read more

July 10, 2017 Lifestyle

Dr. Dre Comes Out Blasting On His First Song In Nearly 2 Years (Audio)

It's been 23 months since Dr. Dre released his Compton album. Save for popping up on The Game's Documentary 2, the Aftermath Entertainment producer/MC has stayed away from the microphone, at least as far as what the public gets to hear. Reports indicate that the 35-year veteran has been busy,... Read more

July 10, 2017 Audio

A New Mix Tells Rakim’s Story Through His Spoken Words & Music (Audio)

Friday (July 7) marked a major milestone for Hip-Hop. Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full celebrated its 30th birthday. With the event, Eric and Rakim reunited at the Apollo Theater for their first concert together in approximately 25 years. In support of the anniversary, more than 20... Read more

July 10, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Large Pro Details The Bobby Brown & Kool G Rap Album That Didn’t Happen & Why (Video)

In mid-1990, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo released their sophomore album, Wanted: Dead Or Alive. Heavily produced by Large Professor (then of Main Source), the LP is widely considered one of G Rap's best works. The Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records release spawned dynamic singles like "Streets Of New York"... Read more

July 10, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Announces North American Tour In Support Of 4:44

Already being called one of the best solo LPs of his 20-plus-year career, 4:44 will be celebrated on a 31-date North American tour beginning in the fall. JAY-Z has announced the details for the 2017 spectacle, which begins in October and spans two months. The Brooklyn, New York icon has been enjoying one... Read more

July 10, 2017 Fresh

Special Ed Shows He’s Still Got It Made Nearly 30 Years Later (Video)

Last night (July 7), a litany of stars gathered at Harlem's Apollo Theater to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Eric B. & Rakim's debut album, Paid In Full. The list of those who came to pay tribute tallied more than 20 artists, ranging from Slick Rick to... Read more

July 8, 2017 Video

Prodigy Mural In Queens Is Vandalized Just Hours After Completion

On Thursday (July 6), a mural dedicated to Mobb Deep MC Prodigy was completed in Queens, New York. The aerosol wall painting paid respects to the hometown artist (born Albert Johnson) who died on June 20. Created by Jeff Henriquez and Eli "Eos" Lazare "out of love and respect" for... Read more

July 8, 2017 Fresh, News

How JAY-Z’s New Album Is The Blueprint For Grown Man Rap (Video)

In the last eight days, JAY-Z's 4:44 monopolized the Hip-Hop conversation and most of the pop culture space. There are a lot of headlines and developing storylines that can easily get in the way of the fact that a 47-year-old-rapper, mogul, and king of cool reached a definitive career milestone,... Read more

July 8, 2017 Exclusive, Food for Thought, TBD, Video

More Than 20 MCs Join Eric B. & Rakim In Celebrating Their 30th Anniversary (Video)

Yesterday (July 7), marked the 30th anniversary of the release of Eric B. & Rakim's classic album, Paid In Full, and they celebrated it in grand fashion. The two were joined on stage at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater by by more than 20 artists from eras both before and after... Read more

July 8, 2017 Video

Bun B Is Back & He’s Still The Trillest OG (Audio)

It's been nearly 4 years since Bun B released his last album, Trill OG: The Epilogue. In the time that's passed, Bun has been quiet on the music scene, using his voice instead to speak out on issues important to him, such as helping victims of last year's floods in... Read more

July 8, 2017 Audio

Rapsody Puts Pain To Words On A Knocking Nottz Beat (Audio)

North Carolina MC Rapsody has cemented a reputation for being equally as thoughtful as she is skillful on the mic. Her latest single “The Pain" is no exception. On it, Rap' spits reflective bars about some of the pains associated with being Black in America, from various perspectives (women, men,... Read more

July 7, 2017 Audio

Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab Tackles Gentrification With Artisanal Rhymes (Video)

Gentrification is a nationwide epidemic, affecting and effecting cities and neighborhoods across the country. Hip-Hop has been addressing the issue more and more, as of late, touched on by both JAY-Z in “The Story of O.J.” and Run The Jewels in their video for “Don’t Get Captured” this week alone.... Read more

July 7, 2017 Video

Producers Rejoice: Legal Sampling Is Now As Easy As Online Shopping (Video)

A potentially game-changing new service is about to hit the digital streets, one that could theoretically help usher in a new golden age for sample-based Hip-Hop. Swedish startup Tracklib has created a one-stop online “crate-digging” marketplace, on which producers can find, buy (at $1.99 a track) and eventually license existing... Read more

July 7, 2017 Exclusive, News, Video

Vic Mensa Wilds Out On Method Man & Nick Cannon With A Savage Freestyle (Video)

Vic Mensa is the latest guest on Nick Cannon's Wild 'N Out show. Promoting his Manuscript EP, the Roc Nation MC participated in one of the show's longstanding Rap battles. With Method Man on stage, Mensa was out to annihilate the competition on behalf of his team. Vic Mensa Says... Read more

July 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Here Are The Jewels From JAY-Z’s New Album That You Won’t See In The Tabloids

Nearly a week after its release, listeners are still unpacking JAY-Z's new album 4:44. As an MC with a reputation for double and triple entendres and veiled references, lines from all of Jay's songs have plenty to be decoded. But, on this LP he packed an enormous amount of material... Read more

July 6, 2017 Food for Thought