Video Archives

Hannibal Buress Discovers Meek Mill is Not Trending in Beverly Hills (Video)

In the world of Hip-Hop, there is perhaps no more visible story right now than the Drake vs. Meek Mill beef. Ardent users of social media may be feeling like they're seeing the story everywhere, which is probably not an incorrect observation, depending on who one asks. The back and... Read more

July 30, 2015 TV/Film, Video

DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Toured Playing Afrika Bambaataa’s Actual Records. Here’s One Show (Video)

Throughout the last year, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist toured the world with Afrika Bambaataa's records. Not just copies of records that the Universal Zulu Nation founder made or carried, but the actual "sacred crates" of Hip-Hop from one of its foremost pioneers. Together, Cut and Shadow called the act... Read more

July 30, 2015 Video

Locksmith Takes a Few Moments to Reflect on What He’s Learned Thus Far (Video)

Almost a month ago to the day, Norcal MC Locksmith devastated not one, but two mics in back-to-back freestyles that showcased his skills as an off-the-cuff lyricist. He visited Kay Slay and Sway to promote Lofty Goals, his second studio album that dropped in June, a project which proves his... Read more

July 30, 2015 Video

Queen Latifah & Mary J. Blige Ease Into “The Wiz” Remake

1970s remakes are all the rage these days. As Questlove partakes in an upcoming Roots remake starring Laurence Fishburne, NBC has revealed plans to remake The Wiz. Originally an adaptation in its own right (of The Wizard of Oz), the 1978 film was co-produced by Berry Gordy's Motown film division, and starred... Read more

July 29, 2015 News, TV, TV/Film

Jill Scott Shares Thoughts on Motherhood, Fame & Why Women Are Powerful (Video)

Jill Scott visited the Breakfast Club earlier this morning to help promote her latest album, Woman, which dropped July 24. Released nearly 15 years to the day as her debut Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, it is her first album in 4 years and it's been... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

Ice Cube Says Dr. Dre’s ‘Straight Outta Compton Soundtrack’ Arrives This Week (Video)

With just over two weeks until the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton hits theaters, the excitement and anticipation over the film is palpable, to say the least. Buttressed by the forthcoming reunion tour, public discourse about some of rap music's most prolific young artists has reached a fever pitch, and... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

Kurupt & Miguel Team Up for an N.W.A. Tribute…Kind Of (Video)

This summer belongs to N.W.A. in many ways. With the Straight Outta Compton movie storming into theaters next month, the news about the legendary group's reunion tour, and the proliferation of press and media attention, the direct references to their legacy are almost inescapable. However, not all of the references... Read more

July 29, 2015 Video

‘Kids’ Turns 20 Today & Still Has Plenty of Surprises in its History

On this day in 1995, a film entered theaters that, while under-performing at the box office, left an impression on viewers that has yet to subside. Even though it is one of the most discussed films in a generation (if not more), there are still aspects of Kids' history, production,... Read more

July 28, 2015 TV/Film

The Weeknd Goes Up In Flames In Can’t Feel My Face (Video)

For years, The Weeknd has made uncompromising music that's still been commercially viable. The Universal Republic Records artist has found his highest charting single to date in "Can't Feel My Face." The always brooding, highly sexual singing of Abel Tesfaye is more aimed towards the mainstream in this moment. The... Read more

July 28, 2015 Video

Capone-N-Noreaga & Tragedy Khadafi Salute One Of Their Own (Video)

Reunited, Capone-N-Noreaga and Tragedy Khadafi take time to salute "U.M.A.R." The song is designed as a tangible record dedicated to the 25 II Life affiliate—but really, anybody apart from loved ones. A 2015 type of "One Love," this is a song rooted in solidarity, through death, incarceration, or other challenges... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

Oddisee Takes an Introspective Look at How We Fit Into the World (Video)

From its release, Oddisee's album The Good Fight has proven to be head and shoulders above many of this year's releases. The Mello Music Group LP's title applies both as a metaphor for Oddisee's more than 15-year career that is reaching new heights and as a representation of the life... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

King Los, Isaiah Rashad & Kent Jamz Bring Power To The Lyric Video Format

Lyric Videos, in theory are promotional devices. These videos tend to follow audio releases, and blaze a trail for eventual produced videos. They can effectively create an experience that brings attention to artistic intent, and quite clearly own the space and monetize a song for label and artist. But in... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

Joey Bada$$ & Statik Selektah Address Knee-Jerk ’90s Hip-Hop Comparisons (Video)

Since his 2010 arrival Joey Bada$$ has been often compared to the 1990s litany of East Coast MCs. The Brooklyn, New York MC is not a fan of being always considered a throwback, when the Pro Era MC has worked to prove himself as an original. Similarly, DJ/producer Statik Selektah... Read more

July 27, 2015 Video

Entrepreneurialism & Technology Discussed At Hip-Hop Institute Conference (Video)

Earlier this month, the 11th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival took place in a series of events, beginning July 8. Leading to the July 11 concert featuring Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway, and others, the week of discussion, education, and engagement included the first-ever Hip-Hop Institute Conference. Hosted at the borough's Medgar... Read more

July 26, 2015 Video

Rise & Shine: Watch Janet Jackson & J. Cole in ‘No Sleeep’ (Video)

Janet is back. The legendary pop icon hasn't released any new music in more than 7 years. Next month, she will kick off her Unbreakable World Tour to promote what will be her eleventh solo effort (the first album of hers since the passing of her brother, Michael, in 2009).... Read more

July 24, 2015 Video

Meek Mill Reveals the Ghost Writer He Claims Wrote Drake’s R.I.C.O. Verse (Video)

From The D.O.C. to Royce Da 5'9", Skillz to Ice Cube, Hip-Hop has a long line of famous ghostwriters. High profile albums such as Dr. Dre's 2001, Salt-n-Pepa's Very Necessary, and Kanye West's Yeezus are assembled around raps written by artists besides those who voiced the words. Drake, who has... Read more

July 23, 2015 Video

Stro Celebrates His Ideal Woman on a Lil Bow Wow Update (Video)

Stro (fka Astronomical Kid and Astro) is all grown up. After stepping into the spotlight in 2011 as a contestant on X Factor with his infectious song, "Stop Looking at My Moms," he's eighteen now and turning his attention to another lady in his life. On "Ghetto Girls Freestyle," he... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

President Obama’s Final Daily Show Interview Brings Powerful Ideas On College Reform (Video)

On last night's (July 21) episode of "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart had no monologue, no schtick, and went on zero tangents. And for good reason. His guest was President Barack Obama, a leader who is entering the final year of his tenure. Stewart is also a leader (of sorts)... Read more

July 22, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Problem Clears The Table, Name-Checking Peers & Claiming His Place (Video)

It has been nine years since Problem made his breakthrough mixtape, Deal Or No Deal. Approaching a decade, after appearances on albums by Snoop Dogg, E-40, DJ Quik, and Wiz Khalifa, the Compton, California native is still without a studio full-length. On "50 Shades Of Grey," Problem speaks up. The... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Pharrell Shows That Freedom Is The Key To Universal Happiness (Video)

Pharrell makes statement records. Following the infectious commercial success of "Happy" through some difficult times socially, politically, and economically across the globe, the Star Trak explorer (now plugged into I Am Other) launches "Freedom." The song is built around rich instrumentation, and a strong piano. Skateboard P's vocal delivery transcends... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Prince Has Not Moved On From Baltimore. Have You? (Lyric Video)

Prince was among those deeply moved by the April protests in Baltimore, Maryland. What may seem in the rear-view of a year (perhaps a period) that continues to bring incidents, headlines, and tragedies related to police brutality and social unrest, is still very close to the iconic musician. The life... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Camp Lo’s Fashion & Luxury Transportation Suits Their Style (Video)

Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are masters of nostalgia. The veteran Hip-Hop duo Camp Lo, joined by longtime mentor/producer Ski Beatz has a knack for channeling '70s slang, '60s film, and '80s New York City. From their 2015 Nature Sounds LP, Ragtime Hightimes, the duo delivers the video for "Life... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Where Does Rick Ross Stand in the Meek Mill/Drake Beef? For Now, He’s Claiming Family Ties (Video)

Sometimes things just fall into place. Moments after Maybach Music Group's latest #1 product, Meek Mill, called out Drake's rhyme-writing on social media, Rick Ross expressed his solidarity, sharing Meek's words. According to some late-night web-surfers, the symbolic act came after R.R. first sided with Drizzy—before deleting a highly-controversial tweet... Read more

July 22, 2015 Video

Thundercat & Flying Lotus Make Heartbreak Sound Unusually Cool (Video)

Less than one month ago, Thundercat released The Beyond/Where The Giants Roam. The Kendrick Lamar collaborator is hard to pin down. The Brainfeeder release involves his Los Angeles, California contemporary Flying Lotus, as well as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (the classically-trained musician responsible for the incredible Suite For Ma Dukes Dilla-inspired album/DVD).... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Slum Village, J Dilla & Bilal Know What Love Is…It’s Hip-Hop (Video)

Slum Village's recently-released YES! album truly is an affirmation. T3 and Young RJ manifest the Villa destiny with nine tracks featuring the late J Dilla's (and group co-founder) handiwork. "Love Is" is one such highlight, including the unmistakable vocals of Bilal, as well as former full-time S.V. member, Illa J.... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

DJ Quik Goes Out Classic-Cruising To His Own Trunk-Rattling Production (Video)

DJ Quik's 2014 album, The Midnight Life packed an incredible punch, from a production standpoint. The G-Funk (or P-Funk) innovator shifted styles once more, to not only show his influence upon guys like DJ Mustard and Terrace Martin, but to evolve into raw instrumentation. "Puffin' The Dragon" is anything but... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Apologizes to Ghostface, Again. GFK Refuses. Here’s the Inside Story on Their Only Collabo.

Yesterday (July 20) Ghostface Killah unleashed a "mighty healthy" response to Action Bronson, following a perceived diss by the Queens, New York MC. Moments after Ghostface's video reply, which called out Bronson for disrespecting an MC who influenced him, as well as issued threats to the VICE/Atlantic Records artist on... Read more

July 21, 2015 Video

Method Man Shares Thoughts on RZA, Friendships with Biggie & Tupac (Video)

Method Man visited DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God on 105.1's Breakfast Club morning radio show today and discussed a whole host of topics ranging from his forthcoming album (The Meth Lab, August 21), his work in the film Trainwreck (Judd Apatow says he wants to put every... Read more

July 20, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah Blasts Action Bronson. It’s Personal Now (Video)

It was all good, four years ago. Former collaborators Action Bronson and Ghostface Killah are seemingly in new waters now. Earlier this month, Bam Bam Bronson made some remarks about G.F.K. while appearing on ESPN's "Sports Nation." Immediately following reports of a perceived diss against the onetime collaborator, the Queens,... Read more

July 20, 2015 News, Video

Slaughterhouse Gives New Meaning To Bar-Brawl on Southpaw’s R.N.S. (Video)

Slaughterhouse's "R.N.S." is a lyrical upper-cut within the Southpaw soundtrack. The Just Blaze and araabMUZIK-produced song featuring Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Joe Budden is more of the same pedigree from the hardcore Rap quartet. For the video, it's bars and concrete—beyond the rapping, as the Shady... Read more

July 20, 2015 Video

Black Eyed Peas’ Retro Single Gets A Video Treatment That’s Slick Like That (Video)

With the release of the Black Eyed Peas' cyclically-minded "Yesterday," the video follows quickly. Half of the group's formal lineup: will.i.am and apl.de.ap make the song, while Taboo appears in the video (and drops a few Public Enemy-minded bars). Like the single's heavy-handed production theme of interpolating, sampling, and alluding... Read more

July 19, 2015 Video

Erick Sermon, Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch Offer Hard Lessons From Concrete Places (Video)

In late April, Erick Sermon premiered "Make Room," a crosstown New York City verbal essay featuring Joell Ortiz and Sheek Louch. The song offers some hard advice to a host of people simply doin' it wrong. For the just-released visual, E-Double, Donnie G., and Yoawa certify themselves in the company... Read more

July 19, 2015 Video

Blu Epitomizes the Term “Real Hip-Hop” on The Return (Video)

Blu was not a gang banger. He makes that crystal clear in his opening line on "The Return." Yet, unlike many of his peers who make false claims of affiliations, he paints a sobering picture of the costs that can come with those ties. Without judgement or glorification, he calmly... Read more

July 17, 2015 Video

Action Bronson & Gangrene Make A Rental Car An All-Terrain Vehicle (Video)

Gangrene's Alchemist and Oh No share a love of hijinks with Action Bronson. Together, the cross-country homies take a rental car out for a spin that is none too good. Directed by Decon/Mass Appeal's master videographer Jason Goldwatch, this will appeal to lovers of pranks, corporate upsetters, as well as... Read more

July 17, 2015 Video

Buckshot & Smif N Wessun Have a Boot Camp Clik Reunion on a Statik Selektah Banger (Video)

Last week, Statik Selektah released his stellar Lucky 7 album on Duck Down Music. That compilation, which Statik says is his last solo project, features a smorgasbord of MCs, including Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Royce Da 5'9", Your Old Droog, Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., Styles P, Bun B and more. Ever... Read more

July 16, 2015 Video

From the Beastie Boys to Pharrell: This Film Looks at the Merging of Hip-Hop & Skateboard Culture.

As with any culture, the influences of the few can infiltrate the consciousness of the many, transforming a movement at large into a collection of smaller microcosms. One of Hip-Hop's greatest strengths is its eagerness to embrace the flavors of its surroundings, and while now it is arguably the world's... Read more

July 16, 2015 TV/Film, Video

R. Kelly Is Not Afraid of 5 Fingers Of Death. Catch The Kellz Freestyle (Video)

R. Kelly is often said to improvise many of his hits. Sitting at the keyboard, the 25-year veteran freestyles those very melodies and choruses that have changed the sound of R&B, and presumably created a few lives too. Somebody who is not often in the media, Kellz swung through today's... Read more

July 16, 2015 Video

Mobb Deep Talk 20 Years of The Infamous & Perform Shook Ones Pt. II at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

Throughout music history, there will be those artists whose very names elicit memories so powerful, fans can remember exactly where they were when they first played that track, first heard that album, and first heard them live. For fans of Mobb Deep, the last 25+ years have provided one of... Read more

July 16, 2015 Video

A$AP Rocky & Rod Stewart Perform “Everyday” Together, In A Luxury SUV (Video)

One of the cooler new segments on TV is funnyman James Cordon's "Carpool Karaoke." Rather than the cliche on-stage performance, the British host for "The Late Late Show" drives around, and picks up celebrity musician guests for a little car-concert. Cordon's Range Rover picks up a fellow countryman in Rod... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

Chance The Rapper & The Social Experiment Aim To Reach Victims Of Chicago Violence (Video)

Chance The Rapper and his cohorts consisting of Donnie Trumpet and the uber talented Social Experiment (SOX) have had quite the summer following the release of their successful, star studded album, Surf. The music itself hails from the artists' experiences growing up in their hometown of Chicago, addressing the issues... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

Kool Keith & L’Orange Wander Through Time To Discover New Sounds (Video)

The latest visuals from Kool Keith and producer L'Orange's upcoming project, Time? Astonishing!, open in a similar vein as some classic MF Doom intros or a '60s comic book television series, a la "Superman," where the viewers are introduced to an all new, time traveling hero, "The Wanderer," through the... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

N.W.A. Discusses The Authenticity Of “Straight Outta Compton” With Fab 5 Freddy (Video)

As the host/VJ of "Yo! MTV Raps," Fab 5 Freddy was a major correspondent with N.W.A. at a time when the Compton, California group was fiercely counter-cultural. Twenty five years later, Freddie reunites with Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren on the set of August 14 biopic... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

Public Enemy’s Energy Only Grows. See The Man Plans, GOD Laughs Title Cut (Video)

Today (July 15), Public Enemy made their latest album, Man Plans, GOD Laughs available for stream. Formally released next week (July 22), Chuck D, Professor Griff, DJ Lord and Flavor Flav used the moment to bum-rush the bandwidth with an LP that shows its admitted influence by the likes of... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

Kendrick Lamar Joins Jidenna in the Video for the Fiery Remix to Classic Man (Video)

Three weeks ago, Kendrick Lamar set the web on fire with the addition of some scorching verses to Jidenna's infectious song, "Classic Man." Now, the remix gets the visual treatment and K. Dot joins Jidenna on screen. The video features vintage cars, lots of California love and a cameo from... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

If Brandy Was Singing In Disguise on the Subway, Would You Wanna Be Down? (Video)

For more than two decades, Brandy has entertained audiences around the world, both as a singer and an actress. But, is she good enough for New York City subway riders? The talented Ms. Norwood went undercover, underground in the transit tunnels of the Big Apple. Wearing a scarf, hoodie and... Read more

July 15, 2015 Video

Kid ‘N Play are the Latest Hip-Hop Icons to Be Honored on TV One’s ‘Unsung’ (Video)

In March of this year, the classic movie House Party turned 25, igniting a hilarious and nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for Heads and movie buffs. A progenitor of the Hip-Hop Comedy canon, the movie starred Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin, a Rap duo also known by their... Read more

July 15, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers, Bodega Bamz & Emilio Rojas Rep Their Cultural Pride on Latino Pt. 2 (Video)

Joell Ortiz revisits "Latino," the cultural pride anthem from his 2007 debut album, The Brick: Bodega Chronicles. On the updated 2015 version, he brings in fellow MCs Chris Rivers, Bodega Bamz and Emilio Rojas on an !LLmind production. The video for "Latinos Pt. 2" uses the New York City Puerto... Read more

July 14, 2015 Video

A 15-Year-Old Hip-Hop Artist Is Using His Talents to Save the Planet at the U.N. & On Stage (Video)

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is breathing new life into what it means to be a "conscious" MC. The Boulder, Colorado native speaks three languages (English; Spanish; & Nahuatl, an indigenous Aztec language) and at only 15 years of age, he has already spoken at the United Nations conference on the topic of... Read more

July 14, 2015 Video

Common Performs 4 Of His Essential Hits At The 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

This Saturday (July 11), Common headlined the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Taking the stage following sets by Mobb Deep, Freeway, Large Professor, Skyzoo, Charles Hamilton, Lion Babe, Consequence, John Robinson and others, Common, a live band, and DJ Dummy brought the show to a crescendo. The Chicago, Illinois Grammy and... Read more

July 13, 2015 Video

Superman & Batman…It’s Complicated. Here’s an Extended Look at Dawn of Justice (Video)

In mid-April, Heads got an early glimpse of Batman vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice care of a 136-second trailer. However, that's about all that was available. Details were slim, using the age-old whisper campaign (and a big budget preview) to drive the discussion. The film starring Daredevil's Ben Affleck as Bruce... Read more

July 13, 2015 TV/Film, Video