food for thought Archives

Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch interview with fuse (Video)

Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch dropped a red hot song last night. Here's an interview of the duo where they explain how they came together to record their forthcoming Wu-Block project, speak on 90's hip-hop and discuss current MCs they like (not surprisingly, Ghost likes Action Bronson). Check it out... Read more

September 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar Interviews & Freestyles (Video)

Here are 2 interviews of Kendrick Lamar and he drops a verse at the end of each. In the first interview, he discusses the album, cover art, a song called Black Boy Fly which addresses the cover and more, then flows over the Mobb Deep Eye for an Eye beat.... Read more

September 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas & Lauryn Hill Announce Life is Good/Black Rage Tour

Nas & Lauryn Hill are coming to a town near you (hopefully). The 2 announced a joint tour today called Life is Good/Black Rage. Check out the dates and locations below. Related: Nas performs Hate Me Now (Video) Oct. 6 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion (NAS ONLY) Oct.... Read more

September 19, 2012 Food for Thought

Here’s a recap of the first ever public listening session for Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city (Food for Thought)

Related: Kendrick Lamar freestyles on the Funkmaster Flex Show (Video) “Martin have a dream. Malcolm have a dream. Kendrick have a dream.” Those might not be the first words you hear on Kendrick Lamar’s album, but they were the first words we heard last night on the first of 9... Read more

September 19, 2012 Food for Thought

Kendrick Lamar speaks with fuse about good kid, m.A.A.d. city (Video)

Here's a great interview with Kendrick Lamar by fuse. Kendrick speaks in detail about the meaning of his album cover for good kid, m.A.A.d. city and also touches on the message of Swimming Pools (Drank) and what music means to him, generally (it's more than music...). Check out the video.... Read more

September 18, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

DJ Premier speaks on life (Video)

Here's an incredibly compelling interview of DJ Premier. Rather than survey his career, the focus is on who he is as a human being. Primo talks about how thankful he is for life now; his first experiences with death; spending time with Guru's son and how life has changed since... Read more

September 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kanye West and Dr. Donda West discuss one of his verses (Video)

Here's a really dope and candid video from back in the day of Kanye West and his mother Dr. Donda West discussing some of his verses. Check out the video. Related: Big Sean, Jay-Z & Kanye West – Clique (Audio)... Read more

September 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, m.A.A.d City (Artwork)

Kendrick Lamar's album Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, m.A.A.d City drops on 10/22. Here's a look at the artwork. The top photo is for the standard edition and the bottom is the deluxe version. The countdown is on. Related: Kendrick Lamar – Westside, Right On Time ft Young Jeezy (Audio)... Read more

September 14, 2012 Food for Thought

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap Outtakes (Video)

Ice-T's documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap premieres on Vh1 tomorrow night at 9pm EST. Here are 4 sneak peeks from some of hip-hop's biggest icons. Nas speaks on why hip-hop isn't respected, Dr. Dre talks about working with Tupac, Eminem discusses the meaning rap has given to... Read more

September 12, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q interview with Page 31 (Video)

Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock spoke to Page 31 about the timing of a Black Hippy album (no time soon...), voting, how dope Kendrick's album is about to be and more. Check out the video. Related: Jay Rock - Yola (Audio)... Read more

September 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

E-40 vs. Nardwaur (Video)

E-40's interview with Nardwar is thorough, even by Nardwaur's standards. E-40 goes deep about his history and music old and new. This is a must for E-40 fans. Check it out. Related: Nardwaur vs. DJ Premier (Video)... Read more

September 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Mystikal & DJ Quik in the studio (Video)

Last week Mannie Fresh & Yasiin Bey dropped a video documenting their unexpected yet dope collabo. This week? It's Mystikal and DJ Quik's turn. Check out this behind the scenes video of them in the studio working on what sounds like it could be something special. Related: Here’s a playlist... Read more

September 6, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Q-Tip tells the story of writing his first rhyme (Video)

Here's a cool video of Q-Tip telling the story of the first time he over wrote a rhyme. This is an outtake from Ice-T's Something From Nothing documentary. Check it out. Related: Q-Tip – Black Fist Friday Mix (Mixtape)... Read more

September 5, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Big K.R.I.T. interview with Ashley Outrageous (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. talks with Ashley Outrageous about working with J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar on Khaled's album, his relationship with Big Boi, performing on national television and his favorite country ish. Check out the video. Related: DJ Khaled - They Ready ft Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar (Audio)... Read more

August 28, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Lupe Fiasco discusses his new album and video on 106 & Park (Video)

Lupe Fiasco stopped by 106 & Park to talk about Food & Liquor 2 and his thought-provoking video for Bitch Bad. Check out the interview below. Related: Lupe Fiasco - Bitch Bad (Video)... Read more

August 25, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Mannie Fresh speaks with SoulCulture TV (Video)

Mannie Fresh is undoubtedly one of the most impactful producers in hip-hop. Many of today's beats were inspired by the sonic landscape he architected in the 90's during the first iteration of Cash Money. He's still in the game, working with G.O.O.D. Music on Cruel Summer and many more. Here's... Read more

August 22, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas speaks about the video for Bye Baby (Video)

Nas discusses the video for Bye Baby with Fuse. Check it out below. Related: Nas performs at Rock the Bells (Full Video)... Read more

August 21, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Raekwon talks Wu history with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Leauge Pt. 3 (Video)

Here's part 3 or Raekwon's conversation with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. In this installment, he discusses ODB's production skills and more. Check out the video below. Related: Raekwon discusses Only Built 4 Cuban Linx with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (Video)... Read more

August 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Big K.R.I.T. interview with Sermons Domain (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. discusses working with other producers, staying consistent, his collabo project with Yelawolf, the new mixtape that's on the way and more. Check out the video. Related: Big K.R.I.T. - What U Mean featuring Ludacris (Video)... Read more

August 17, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Rapper Big Pooh speaks with Montreality

Here's a great interview of Rapper Big Pooh by Montreality. He speaks on his biggest fear, why Little Brother split, his hidden talents, the keys to success and more. He also drops a quick freestyle. Check out the video. Related: Rapper Big Pooh & J. Pinder - Clouds... Read more

August 17, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Talib Kweli – New Era Flagbearer (Video)

Here's a clip of Talib Kweli discussing the impact growing up in New York City had on his life and career. He also talks about how NYC shaped legends like The Beastie Boys and Run-DMC and more. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli - To the Music featuring Maino... Read more

August 16, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas in 97 Seconds (Video)

NYC's Hot 97 has a cool new video series where artists share nuggets about themselves in 97 seconds. The latest installment features Nas. Here's an intimate look at God's Son in 97 seconds. Related: Nas performs The Don and Nasty on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)... Read more

August 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Raekwon discusses Only Built 4 Cuban Linx with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (Video)

Here's part 2 of Raekwon's sit down in the studio with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to discuss Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. The Chef drops more inside dope on the meaning behind the artwork and the making of The Purple Tape. Check out the video. Related: Raekwon discusses OB4CL with the... Read more

August 13, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim: here’s the playlist that settles the debate once and for all…or does it? (Playlist)

Rakim's recent interview discussing the rivalry he had at one time with Big Daddy Kane rekindled the chatter about which MC would win in a battle. Since that battle likely will never occur, we decided to take matters into our own hands to settle the debate once and for all.... Read more

August 10, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback

Rakim discusses how he narrowly avoided starting a beef with Big Daddy Kane (Video)

Here’s a really dope video of Rakim discussing the 4 bars he originally included in Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em where he went at Big Daddy Kane. He also discusses how the potentially epic beef was avoided. Check out the video. Related: Rakim - The Definition of a Classic Documentary... Read more

August 9, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas interview with Big Boy of Power 106 (Video)

UPDATE: Since Nas' interview with Big Boy below, some strong allegations have (re)surfaced that Jay Electronica and Stic Man from Dead Prez did some ghostwriting on Nas' untitled album. The most significant statement came from Dream Hampton (the first female editor of The Source among several other highly respectable credentials).... Read more

August 8, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar interviews with Montreality (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Kendrick Lamar by Montreality. He speaks on what type of student he was, his first job, his biggest fear, his favorite super hero, what he did with his first pay check and more. Check it out. Related: Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools (Drank) (Video)... Read more

August 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Here’s an in-depth interview with the mighty Ice Cube. He covers his expansive career, discussing everything from the NWA breakup and working with the Bomb Squad to Eazy-E’s death and much more (Video)

It's 40+ minutes of Cube. Check out the video. Related: Ice Cube discusses Detox, working with Chris Tucker on Friday, a new NWA album and more on The Sway in the Morning Show (Video)... Read more

August 6, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles interview with Out Da Box TV (Video)

Here's part 2 of Out Da Box TV's fantastic interview with DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles. Check out the video and a description below. Related: DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles - More Levels (Video) Here's what Out Da Box TV had to say about the video: "As promised, Out Da... Read more

August 4, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas speaks with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on MSNBC (Video)

Nas sat down with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to talk about being named one of the top 5 lyricists of all time, his divorce from Kelis, Life is Good, the spirit of Hip-Hop being ALIVE (though on a respirator) and more. Check out the video. Related: Nas performs The Don... Read more

August 4, 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

Eminem interview with 95.5 in Detroit (Audio)

Here's an interview with Eminem where he discusses his relationship with 50 Cent, working with Slaughterhouse, starting his new album and more. Check it out below. Related: Eminem - Interview with Whoo Kid (Audio)... Read more

August 1, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought

The Making of MF DOOM’s Mask (Video)

Ever wonder how MF DOOM's mask came into being? Here's a super fresh video featuring the creator of the mask, graffiti artist Frank Chapter, telling the story of the inception of the mask + a healthy dose of inside dope on DOOM. Ill. Check it out below. Related: Oh No... Read more

July 27, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles with Out Da Box TV (Video)

Here's a super dope 15-minute interview of DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles discussing maturing and staying relevant in the hip-hop game. Check it out below. Related: DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles - More Levels (Video)... Read more

July 23, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Marley Marl – Classic Recipes: The Making of Mama Said Knock You Out (Video)

Here's the first episode of an incredible new series from Marley Marl called Classic Recipes. In this episode, Marley Marl gives lots of behind the scenes info on the making of Mama Said Knock You Out and how he came to work with LL. He also shows in detail how... Read more

July 22, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas speaks on Illmatic and Life is Good (Video)

Here's an interview where Nas reflects on Illmatic and how his life has changed since then. Related: Nas speaks on Kelis' reaction to the Life is Good album cover (Video)... Read more

July 19, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Larger Professor speaks on Nas + Nas speaks on Kelis’ thoughts about the Life is Good album cover (Video)

Since Life is Good dropped today, here are a couple more Nas-related videos. First up is an interview of Large Professor speaking on Ether (did you know it was originally going to be on a Swizz Beatz track?), why he gave Nas a shot on Live at the BBQ, the... Read more

July 17, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Nas interview with SoulCulture TV (Video)

Here's an extended interview of Nas by SoulCulture TV. He talks about the blessing it is to make music, what he learned from touring with Damien Marley, going back to the sound that represents him, Life is Good, not chasing commercial success ("make pop chase you") and more. Check out... Read more

July 16, 2012 Video

Rakim: The Definition of a Classic documentary. Prepare to be taken on a journey through the music and impact of Rakim Allah, the God MC (Video)

Here's an incredibly well done mini-documentary on Rakim by Complex and Reebok Classic. It features tons of great historical photos and video footage, as well as sharp commentary from Bill Adler, DJ Premier, Noah Callahan-Bever (EIC of Complex) and Rakim himself. Props: 2DBZ Related: Video playlist celebrating the 25th Anniversary... Read more

July 13, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

DJ Premier – More Levels w Bumpy Knuckles + Nardwaur Interview (Video)

Here's a DJ Premier double play. First is his new video More Levels with Bumpy Knuckles followed by DJ Premier vs Nardwaur. In the Nardwaur interview he talks about his battles with MOP (bumpin' knuckles), seeing Ice Cube and Suge Knight throw fisticuffs, working with many of the ladies of... Read more

July 10, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony interview with DJ Skee (Video)

Wow. Here's a full reunion of all 5 original members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bizzy, Layzie, Wish, Flesh and Krayzie all sat down with DJ Skee to talk about working with 2Pac, Biggie and how they were discovered by Eazy-E. Related: Playlist of classic Eazy-E joints (Audio)... Read more

July 4, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Eminem interview with DJ Whoo Kid (Audio)

Here's a rare extended interview of Eminem by DJ Whoo Kid. Em talks working with Dre on his next album, participating in Ice-T's recent Art of Rap documentary, his love of the Beastie Boys and more. Check it out below. Related: Eminem spits a verse for Ice-T's The Art of... Read more

July 1, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought

Here’s an interview of Stalley where he discusses his earliest musical influences + his new video Hell’s Angels featuring Rick Ross (Video)

Stalley has gotten more recognition since joining MMG last year but he has been on the grind for many years. Stalley is not your average rapper. He combines intelligent lyricism with a blue collar work ethic and relatability. When you put that mix over the deep and soulful tracks toward... Read more

June 30, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q interview with Karen Civil (Video)

Here's a cool interview of Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q by Karen Civil. They discuss what it would take to drop a Black Hippy album, how they decide who gets on what track, why Schoolboy Q is now calling himself Puff Daddy and more. Check out the video below. Related: Ab-Soul... Read more

June 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Rakim interview with Montreality (Video)

We celebrated the career of Rakim last week with a playlist of some of his many classics. Here's a 20-minute interview of The R that touches on a number of subjects including MCs of today that he's feeling, his top 5 MCs of all time, his biggest fear, what he... Read more

June 18, 2012 Video

Prodigy, DMX, Erick Sermon, Sean Price, Jim Jones & Jadakiss Talk Father’s Day

The 6 MCs discussed what Father's Day means to them at Rock The Bells. Related: Erick Sermon tells classic stories to Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7hxaDyTnAE&feature=player_embedded... Read more

June 16, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Ice-T discusses Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (Video)

Ice-T dropped a bunch of incredible freestyles from the likes of Eminem, Redman, Lord Finesse, Nas and more leading up to the premiere of his documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap. The film hit theaters today. Here's an interview of the OG Ice-T discussing the movie. Check out... Read more

June 15, 2012 Food for Thought, The Bridge, Throwback, Video

Here’s XV’s latest mixtape, Popular Culture, and an in-depth interview exploring his earliest musical influences. Check out both below.

XV dropped his new mixtape Popular Culture today. With strong beats and substantive lyrics, it's a great weekend listen. You can listen to the whole thing and download it below, as well as watch our interview where he discusses his earliest musical influences. Related: XV - Zero Heroes (Mixtape) Download... Read more

June 15, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Mixes, Video

Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Milll, Stalley, Gunplay & Kendrick Lamar – Power Circle + Kendrick Lamar Legend in the Making Interview (Video)

Kendrick Lamar joins Stalley, Meek Mill, Wale, Gunplay and Rick Ross on the MMG posse cut, Gun Play. Kendrick takes the clean up slot and, as usual, he bodies it. Also, here's a cool interview of K. Dot by Hypetrak. He discusses what it was like performing in front of... Read more

June 15, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Big K.R.I.T. – The Making of Live From the Underground (Video)

Here's a 10-minute behind the scenes look at the making of Big K.R.I.T.'s Live From the Underground album. It breaks down the meaning behind the album cover, the genesis of some of the songs, his getting booed the first time he performed in NYC and more. There's even footage of... Read more

June 14, 2012 Food for Thought, Video