complex ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Mike Tyson Recalls The Time He Bribed A Cop With His Car (Video)

In late 2017, Ed Lover shared a captivating Mike Tyson story wherein the champ gave him a Bentley Azure after a wild night of New York City partying. The only catch was, the former Yo! MTV Raps host and C'mon Son Podcast creator says that he was unaware that the gesture... Read more

March 1, 2019 Throwback, Video

Joe Budden Had The Biggest Come Up In A Year He Was Supposed To Struggle

It was one year ago this week that Joe Budden exited the show Everyday Struggle. On December 18, 2017, DJ Whoo Kid unceremoniously took Budden's seat on the Complex weekday talk series alongside co-hosts Nadeska Alexis and DJ Akademiks. The guest known best as a G-Unit DJ and radio personality told... Read more

December 17, 2018 Food for Thought

Star From “Star & Buc Wild” Replaces Joe Budden As “Everyday Struggle” Co-Host (Video)

In the closing days of 2017, Joe Budden announced his departure from The Everyday Struggle. The host, MC, and reality TV personality exited after he was not able to negotiate a new contract with Complex, who produces the weekday talk show. Co-hosts DJ Akademiks and Nadeska Alexis used guests including... Read more

January 22, 2018 News, Video

Lyor Cohen Explains How Redman Led Def Jam’s Comeback (Video)

During the 1980s Def Jam Records reigned supreme. The label, which burgeoned in co-founder Rick Rubin's New York University dorm room, issued several classic albums from legendary artists. These include LL Cool J's Radio, Slick Rick's The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Rock & Rock Hall of Fame inductees Beastie Boys and... Read more

October 30, 2017 Video

Despite Her Epic Comeback, Remy Ma Says She Still Can’t Make The Music She Wants

Without question, Remy Ma mounted one of the greatest comebacks in Rap history upon her release from prison in August of 2014. That summer alone, she managed to record with DJ Khaled, Jadakiss, Ty Dolla $ign, and Bobby Schmurda, apparently taking full advantage of all the bottled up ambition and... Read more

June 13, 2017 Fresh

What Happens When You Make An Old Head Listen To New Hip-Hop (Video)

Last November, Long Beach, California hosted ComplexCon, a two-day event featuring performances, panels, and more all devoted to music and culture. As part of the convention, veteran radio personality and Hip-Hop artist Angie Martinez led a discussion focused on the so-called "generation gap" in Hip-Hop. The group of experts who... Read more

May 28, 2017 Video

Wale Acknowledges The Truth In The Shots J. Cole Sent His Way On “False Prophets” (Video)

In December of 2016, J. Cole released "False Prophets (Be Like This)," an aggressive record that was clearly aimed at someone - though he never dropped a name. Following its release, rumors began to swirl that Cole was addressing Wale, at least in a particular passage. "I got a homie,... Read more

May 8, 2017 Video

Chance The Rapper Opens Up About The Many Blessings Of Fatherhood (Video)

At just 23, Chance The Rapper has become one of the most successful rappers of today, even if nontraditionally. The 3-time Grammy Award winner has yet to make any financial profit from selling any of his music, thus far a body of work consisting of three mixtapes: 10 Day, Acid... Read more

March 13, 2017 Lifestyle

A New List Declares Who’s Been The Best MC Every Year From 1979 to 2016

2017 is still too young to have its best MC crowned, but a new list has named the best MC in each year, since 1979. From Grandmaster Caz to Chance the Rapper, MCs of all generations have found themselves mentioned in the comprehensive list generated by a team of writers... Read more

January 30, 2017 Fresh

Raekwon, Pete Rock, Scarface & Vince Staples Discuss Hip-Hop’s Generation Gap (Video)

March 13 UPDATE: Complex has released a longer video from the "Discussions" event in November 2016: Last November, Long Beach, California hosted ComplexCon, a two-day event featuring performances, panels, and more all devoted to music and culture. As part of the convention, veteran radio personality and Hip-Hop artist Angie Martinez... Read more

January 13, 2017 Video

Erykah Badu Gets Real About Producing the Soul Train Awards & More (Video)

Known lovingly by her fans as Queen Badu, Erykah is indeed a reigning force in music and beyond. The devoted mother is deeply involved in promoting the importance of education, and has contributed her energies to solving cold rape cases. A native of Dallas, Texas, Erykah Badu is often promoting... Read more

November 18, 2016 Video

Pimp C’s Memory Is Cherished by Nas, Bun B & Family Insiders in New Documentary (Video)

In the years since his 2007 passing, Pimp C (born Chad Butler) remains a larger-than-life presence in Hip-Hop, especially when one considers his enduring influence in the way Southern Rap sounds. But regional impact aside, Pimp C was also a friend, a group mate, a husband, and a life-loving celebrant... Read more

April 4, 2016 Video

A$AP Ferg, Your Old Droog & Wiki Crush A Next Level Cypher With A Live Band (Video)

There are few things in Hip-Hop more exciting than a great cypher. Over the years, there have been some special ones, big and small. On a grander scale, Eminem, Black Thought & Mos Def rocking together comes to mind, as well as the TDE cypher where Kendrick Lamar went absolutely... Read more

March 2, 2016 Video

Nelly Tells The Story of Making His Career-Launching Hit, “Country Grammar” (Video)

Nelly's "Country Grammar" was a game changer. As the lead single from his 2000 debut album of the same name, the song was everywhere that summer. Produced by Jason "Jay E" Epperson, the track was built atop drums inspired by David Bowie mixed with the familiar refrain from a popular... Read more

December 17, 2015 Video

Talib Kweli Reveals What He Thinks Is Missing From Today’s Hip-Hop & Journalism

In a recent interview for Cultured Vultures, rapper Talib Kweli opened up to a young writer about the topical and philosophical, ranging from his thoughts on Indie 500, Hip-Hop's global appeal, the state of music journalism, and much more. Kweli's pedigrees as both an accomplished activist and writer are repeatedly... Read more

November 23, 2015 Fresh

Label Politics, Claims of Song Stealing, Criticism of Selling Out…This Ja Rule Documentary Has It All (Video)

It's been 15 years since Ja Rule released "Put It On Me," his first top-ten hit and one of several charting scorchers on his sophomore album, Rule 3:36. The milestone has set the stage for a look back at the song and its role in shaping Ja Rule's career, and... Read more

October 29, 2015 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Shows His Inspiring Life Journey in a New Short Film (Video)

It has been a wondrous five years for Big K.R.I.T. From Kritwuzhere to the Top 10 of the charts, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer is proof that hard work and persistence can make dreams tangible. Anyone familiar with the music and passion of Justin Scott knows that the journey has been... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

Jerry Seinfeld Tells Wale To Spazz Out On Complex…In This Hilarious Spoof (Video)

Eleven months ago, Heads might recall Wale flipping out on Complex magazine's Music Department for the exclusion of The Gifted from the Top 50 Albums Of 2013. In the recorded call, the Maybach Music Group artist threatened to visit the Midtown Manhattan offices the next day, and urged them to... Read more

November 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Wale Is Weaving All Recent Controversy Into Album About Nothing (Video)

When Wale announced The Album About Nothing, many Heads likely thought of the MC's "Seinfeld"-inspired mixtapes, and thought it a progression back into the pocket that made him a star before his album. However, in an album trailer Album About Nothing may only be a title. In this three-minute vignette,... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar’s Complex Cover Story Breaks Down What A Guest Verse Will Cost Ya

To coincide with their new relaunch, Complex.com shared its August/September cover story, with Kendrick Lamar. The event follows a Monday morning that perhaps featured some GQ competition with a Kanye West cover story. Both efforts, with arguably two of the current Kings in Hip-Hop (in very different ways, with differing... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh

Puff Daddy & Ma$e Detail the Making of Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down (Video)

Even though the track liberally sampled Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" (and subsequently Ice Cube's remix of "Check Yo Self"), in 1997 there were few songs that got the party started like Puff Daddy's "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" featuring Ma$e. Complex has released a short documentary about the making of... Read more

July 17, 2014 Throwback

Joey Bada$$ Has No Regrets In New Film Trailer (Video)

Joey Bada$$ and Green Label Sound release their official trailer for the Rik Cordero directed short film, No Regrets, today via Complex. No Regrets, scored entirely by Statik Selektah, features Bada$$ in the future as a billionaire philanthropist who uses time travel to relive his youth and find out what... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Wale Addresses His Complex Issues on a New, Emotionally-Charged Song (Audio)

A day after addressing his recent issues (and last week's threats) with Complex magazine and their "Top 50 Albums Of 2013" with Peter Rosenberg and Ebro at HOT 97, Wale drops his reactions off to Funkmaster Flex, in song. "Walk N' Live" seemingly speaks to the magazine, referencing "opinions," "judgement,"... Read more

December 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Wale Addresses Complex Threat, Says Jay Z & Q-Tip Reacted To The News (Video)

After being silent since Friday (December 13), Wale finally addressed his taped phone-call with Complex magazine Associate Editor Insanul Ahmed. The Maybach Music Group verbally threatened the staff of the site and magazine, urging them to notify security in advance. The dispute stemmed from Wale's The Gifted being omitted from... Read more

December 17, 2013 Fresh, Video

When Rappers Attack: Here’s Why Wale Lost More Than His Cool With Complex (Food For Thought)

You never forget it when public figures lash out. As a sports-obsessed kid, I recall ‘90s NFL Quarterback Jim Everett flipping a table and lunging for Jim Rome after the always-salacious button-pusher (calling him Chrissy, a female tennis player with a similar last name) did just that. Then there was... Read more

December 15, 2013 Food for Thought, Fresh

You Think Artists Don’t Take Lists Seriously? Listen to Wale Threaten Complex Because of Theirs (Audio)

Complex recently released their top 50 albums of the year list and, apparently, Wale was none to happy about not making the list. In addition to specifically calling out Juicy J's album, Wale exploded and threatened to come to the office and "knock some people out." And, Complex caught it... Read more

December 13, 2013 Audio

Chance the Rapper Ponders Extraterrestrial Life (Video)

Chance the Rapper is definitely on the come up. His Acid Rap mixtape is one of the finest of the year and now he is gracing the cover of Complex magazine. Here's a hilarious interview with Chance where he ponders what he would do if he encountered an extraterrestrial being.... Read more

September 16, 2013 Video

The Making of Jeru The Damaja’s Come Clean (Video)

Here's an incredibly well done documentary on the making of Jeru The Damaja's classic Come Clean. It features interviews with Jeru, DJ Premier, Talib Kweli, Special Ed, Pete Rock and more, vintage footage and photos, and priceless stories. Check out the video below. Related: The Making of Pete Rock &... Read more

August 1, 2013 Throwback

The Making of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) (Video)

Here is a truly phenomenal documentary on the making of one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.). If you are a Head, take the time to watch this video. It will be 10 of the best minutes you've... Read more

June 10, 2013 Throwback

Complex’s 50 Best Guest Verses of All Time

Here's another conversation starter from Complex. They've put together their list of the 50 Best Guest Verses of All Time. You certainly won't agree with all of the picks and they're definitely not the order, but the top 5 is STRONG. See what they wrote about Ghostface Killah's verse on... Read more

January 7, 2013 Food for Thought

Complex’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time (Food For Thought)

Complex recently compiled their list of The 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time. No doubt, there are a ton of bangers on the list, but naturally, it is one that could be endlessly debated. Check out the intro to the list below and you can read the full article... Read more

November 16, 2012 Food for Thought

RZA speaks on The Man With the Iron Fists and breaks down the music on the soundtrack (Video + Article)

Here's a double play from RZA on The Man With the Iron Fists. First up is a video of him talking about the making of the film and its soundtrack. Next, is a dope article where he breaks down every song on the soundtrack, song by song. Check out both... Read more

October 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Rich Forever vs. God Forgives, I Don’t: Which Rick Ross Project is better?

Complex did an interesting piece comparing and contrasting Rich Forever and God Forgives, I Don't to see which Rick Ross project was better. Check out what they had to say below. Which project do you think is better? Related: Rick Ross - Rich Forever (Mixtape) Here's the intro to the... Read more

August 3, 2012 Food for Thought

Nas interview with Complex (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Nas by Complex (they are winning today). He discusses life in NYC, how he got the name Nasty Nas, the meaning behind the title of his new album Life Is Good and more. Check it out below. Related: Cocaine 80s - Chain Glow featuring Nas... Read more

May 23, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mobb Deep’s The Infamous

Today is the 17th anniversary of the release of Mobb Deep's The Infamous album. Similar to what they did for the anniversary of Illmatic, to commemorate the date Complex has done an article called 10 Things You Didn't Know About Mobb Deep's The Infamous (like did you know Nas actually... Read more

April 25, 2012 Food for Thought

Organized Noize Tells All: The Stories Behind Their Classic Records

Complex has been doing an incredible series where they interview legendary producers and have them break down their classic songs track for track. In the past, they've done DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Diamond D and others. The latest is Organized Noize, the production team behind some of best joints by... Read more

February 2, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback

Rakim Speaks: The Complex Interview

Rakim interviews are few and far between these days. Complex recently got a good one. He discusses working on new material, other rappers whose work he respects, his recent nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the 25th anniversary of the release of Paid in Full and more. ... Read more

November 2, 2011 Food for Thought

Here are The 50 Best Radio Freestyles, according to Complex. They discuss each freestyle AND provide audio for each one. It includes freestyles from Tribe, Wu, Snoop, Kanye, Common, Biggie, Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z and many, many more. It’s unbelievable. Just classic.

Complex has been doing a "best of" series for a while but THIS ONE is the best yet. They recently compiled The 50 Best Radio Freestyles and each entry is accompanied by the audio. This compilation would have been worth it for the legendary Common/Kanye battle, alone. The fact that... Read more

October 7, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought

J. Cole: In the Zone (Article)

Here's an in-depth article chronicling the long journey for J. Cole from his beginnings to dropping his first album for commercial release, as the first rapper signed to be signed to Roc Nation by Jay-Z. The article was written for Complex by one of J. Cole's closest friends, as part... Read more

September 27, 2011 Food for Thought

Mobb Deep – Classic Albums By Classic Artists: The Infamous (Video)

Here's another breakdown of a classic album by a classic artist. This installment features Prodigy talking about The Infamous. He speaks on the music used to create the samples on the album as well as how Havoc became the principal producer. Check it out. Again, props to Reekbok for this... Read more

August 30, 2011 Video

J. Cole – Cole World: The Complex Review

Here's a pretty dope track-by-track review of J. Cole's Cole World: The Sideline Story by Complex, particularly given that they weren't allowed to name song titles or quote lyrics. The intro to the article is below and you can read the whole thing here. Here's the intro: After releasing several... Read more

August 19, 2011 Food for Thought

Complex has a great series where they have legendary producers breakdown their hits. The latest installment features Diamond D.

Past installments included DJ Premier and Pete Rock. Below is an excerpt. Click here to read the full article. Also, if you missed our latest mix which features a lot of early 90's A Tribe Called Quest and Diamond D, click here. Here's what Diamond D had to say about... Read more

July 14, 2011 Food for Thought

It looks like Watch the Throne will actually drop before the end of the Summer.

Jay-Z had a listening session for the album last night. Complex has posted a compilation of the reviews. You can check out the articles and a summary below. From Complex: Our very own Editor-In-Chief, Noah Callahan-Bever—who was there as a portion of the album was created—took to Twitter and tweeted... Read more

July 8, 2011 Food for Thought

Complex did an INCREDIBLE feature a few months ago where DJ Premier broke down the stories behind many of his classic tracks. Here’s their newest installment of the series and it features none other than Pete Rock.

In a pure coincidence, we also chose Primo and Pete Rock as the first 2 installments of our Producer Series playlists. Click here for the Pete Rock playlist and here for the DJ Premier playlist). See below for an excerpt from the Complex Pete Rock story where he talks about... Read more

June 10, 2011 Food for Thought, Throwback

Believe it or not, it has been 16 years since Mobb Deep released The Infamous…

To commemorate the anniversary of the release of that landmark album, the good folks over at Complex just did an article detailing the making of The Infamous. Here's the intro: "Although they are now considered a legendary group, leading into the release of their second album, The Infamous, it was... Read more

April 25, 2011 Food for Thought

Complex has been killing the game with their compilations, lately. This week it’s their ranking of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop magazine covers of all time.

In the past, it was the 25 best Kanye West verses of 2010 and DJ Premier's breakdown of 38 of his classic cuts. Whether you agree or not with their picks and rankings, it's great food for thought and a cool stroll down memory lane. Here's an example of... Read more

March 4, 2011 Food for Thought

REWIND! Gotta take it back to DJ Premier. Complex did a dope article where he breaks down 38 of his classic cuts.

This article is incredible. Period. You can listen to each song while reading what Premier has to say about each. Check below for what he had to say about Nas' NY State of Mind. BIG PROPS to Complex for this one. Click here for the full article. DJ Premier: “That... Read more

February 18, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought

Missed this dope article Complex did on the Top 25 Kanye West verses of 2010 but it’s worth posting late.

It includes a breakdown of each verse along with an audio snippet. It's a must for all Kanye fans. Big props to Complex for this. Click here for the article. Below is the intro. From Complex: 2010 belonged to Kanye West. He was the year's most creative, controversial, and entertaining... Read more

January 17, 2011 Food for Thought

10 reasons why 2010 was the best year ever in hip-hop: #6 Roll the dice…this was a year of taking BIG chances and they paid off.

EVERYBODY knows the music business as it has existed for the last few decades--where sales of recorded albums are the primary financial-driver of the business--is in trouble. The record industry, like other entertainment businesses, tends to be a bell curve: During the vast majority of times, the music tends to... Read more

December 25, 2010 Food for Thought