hip-hop Archives

Scientists Show Proof Hip-Hop Has Revolutionized Music the Most Since 1960 (News)

For decades, fans of Hip-Hop have considered it one of the most important developments in Pop culture. Now, scientists say they have proof that it is in fact the most revolutionary form of music since 1960. Much has been discussed about the rise of Rock & Roll and the "British... Read more

May 31, 2015 News

Killer Mike Eloquently Destroys Arguments That Hip-Hop Fosters Violence (Video)

Over the last few years, Killer Mike has firmly established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most impressive spokespersons. Mike was thrust into the spotlight in 2014 as he passionately and eloquently spoke out against police violence, in the wake of the protests that followed the killing of Michael Brown in... Read more

May 17, 2015 Video

Wonder What A 1977 New York City Park Jam Sounded Like? Press Play… (Mix)

Bringing the earliest days of Hip-Hop to the digital age is a challenge. While DJ Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, and Grandmaster Melle Mel (among many others) are highly active in telling the story, and presenting the culture they helped create, other things are harder to find. Pioneering DJs like... Read more

May 17, 2015 Throwback

Raekwon & Snoop Dogg Are Still B-Boys, Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Elements (Video)

Raekwon and Snoop Dogg may be in Rap's ruling elite. However, these early 1990s alums still capture the music as they fell in love with it. "1,2 1,2" is a standout moment from The Chef's just-released F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art). Produced by Get Busy Committee's Scoop Deville, the Isaac... Read more

May 11, 2015 Video

Hip-Hop Myths: Here Are 5 Common Misbeliefs That Will Surprise You

During its nascent period, Hip-Hop was dismissed by many as simply a passing fad, much like Disco. As we all can see now, those critics were drastically mistaken, and it has not only grown, but has become the most influential cultural presence in fashion, dance, language, art, and of course... Read more

April 26, 2015 Fresh

Was 1980s New York The Greatest Age Of Hip-Hop On Radio? (Video)

In the upcoming (April 22) Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio (1980 – 1988), Red Bull Music Academy takes us way, way back to the early days to witness a crazy time in New York City when things were really happening and a new culture was... Read more

April 17, 2015 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

SPOTLIGHT: DAP The Contract Plays With Genre & Defies Expectations (Audio / Video)

Often times, for as colorful and diverse as Hip-Hop music may appear, there is a constant cry for more originality. There are storytellers, social activists, party-starters, and technically-savvy lyricists, but the genre arguably misses the eclecticism and diversity among the new class, at least at a certain skill level. A... Read more

April 16, 2015 Audio, Food for Thought, Fresh, Video

DJ Kool Herc OPENS UP & His Top 5 MCs & DJs Will ASTONISH You (Audio)

DJ Kool Herc interviews, especially with much depth and room for conversation are a scarcity. It is astounding how Hip-Hop music's credited founder lives in the Bronx, New York today, with relatively low profile. The Kingston, Jamaica native known as Clive Campbell is not a public figure, despite his groundbreaking... Read more

April 13, 2015 Throwback

An Upcoming Documentary Captures The Essence Of The Bronx In 1979 (Video)

A new documentary is on the horizons, exploring the year of 1979 within the setting of the Bronx, New York. In a borough that was literally burning, with buildings crumbling, Hip-Hop was burgeoning in a major way. Thanks to the controversial (within Hip-Hop purists and pioneers) hit "Rapper's Delight" by... Read more

February 13, 2015 TV/Film

KRS-One Says He Cannot Make Money In America, Discusses Hip-Hop’s Global Impact (Video)

KRS-One interviews are a bit scarce in 2015. The archetypal MC tours extensively, and gives limited audiences these days. However, the Boogie Down Productions co-founder recently opened up with VladTV on a number of current and historic issues, which are now unfolding through the video segments. In the latest, KRS... Read more

February 2, 2015 Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of October 2014 (Audio)

October yielded some of the hardest Hip-Hop of the year. Whether it was seasonal, Mercury in retrograde or something in the water, MCs brought their A-games. Here's a playlist of some of the best music of the month. You'll hear tracks from Redman, Big K.R.I.T., Logic, The Lox, Rah Digga,... Read more

November 2, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Here’s a Look Back at the Week’s Best Videos in Hip-Hop (8/10/14) (Video Playlist)

This week in Hip-Hop video brought new music videos from Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Spesh & Kool G Rap, Dom Kennedy, Lil Boosie, Saigon, Jeezy, Mick Jenkins, Rick Ross and more, Souls of Mischief discussing their new album, a Dipset reunion with Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Hell Rell, as well... Read more

August 10, 2014 Playlists, Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in June 2014 (Audio Playlist)

June brought some of the best Hip-Hop of the year, so far. We got new music from G-Unit, Common, Marsha Ambrosius & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar, Souls of Mischief, Cormega, Mac Miller & Pete Rock, Black Thought, The Lox, Buckshot, Yasiin Bey & Mannie Fresh, Black Milk, Ice... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Playlists

Ep. 3 of The Message Documentary Looks at the Complicated Relationship Between Women & Hip-Hop (Full Video)

Episode 3 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, examines the treatment of women in Hip-Hop, as well as the rise of mega Hip-Hop entrepreneurs. Artists like Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and Missy are discussed, as well as Jay Z, Puff Daddy, Wu-Tang Clan and more. Guests include Nas,... Read more

June 25, 2014 Video

What’s the Biggest Way the Internet Has Changed Hip-Hop? (Video)

The final installment of BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, discusses how the digital revolution transformed Hip-Hop. Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Mac Miller and many of the Internet's biggest benefactors discuss its impact on their careers and the culture, generally. The episode also features Nas, Wyclef,... Read more

June 23, 2014 Video

Nas, RZA & More Discuss The Earliest Days of Hip-Hop in The Message Hip-Hop Documentary (Video)

BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, premieres tonight at 10pm. Part 1 focuses on the early days of Hip-Hop and features Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier, Grand Wizard Theodore, Nas, MC Lyte, Questlove, Russell Simmons, Snoop, RZA, Sway, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Eve, Swizz Beatz... Read more

June 4, 2014 Throwback

The Message: The Complete Story of the Evolution of Hip-Hop (Video)

Next week (6/4 at 10pm EST), BET is premiering part 1 of a 4 part documentary on the evolution of Hip-Hop. The film will cover all 40+ years of the Hip-Hop era and will examine how it spread across the country, region-by-region. Participants include Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Kendrick... Read more

May 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

How Did Lorde Signify the Death of “Black Cool?” Questlove Has the Answers…

Questlove is in the middle of a 6-part essay series for Vulture called "How Hip-Hop Failed Black America." The first 2 parts were dense, challenging, and deeply thought-provoking. The 3rd installment, titled "What Happens When Black Loses Its Cool?," is no less engaging and philosophical. Quest attempts to define and... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April Including Scarface, The Roots, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & More (Audio Playlist)

April brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music featuring Scarface, KRS-One, The Roots, 50 Cent, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & Marvin Gaye, Pharoahe Monch, Big L & Fat Joe, Da Brat, Daz Dillinger, Slum Village & Black Milk, Rapsody, Chance the Rapper, Mobb Deep and much more.... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Think Hip-Hop Has Grown Too Materialistic? Questlove Does Too. Here’s Why.

The Roots' Questlove is writing a 6-part series for vulture.com called "How Hip-Hop Failed Black America." The title alone let's you know that this is not light reading. Brother Question examines the culture he (and we) love from multiple angles: political, social, philosophical. In the 2nd part, he looks at... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh

I Used to Love HER…Rick Rubin Speaks on How Hip-Hop Has Changed.

Rick Rubin, along with Russell Simmons, started what is arguably the most important Hip-Hop record label ever created in Def Jam Recordings. So, who better to commentate on the state of the culture today? Rubin gave a rare interview to Vulture and spoke about the early days of Def Jam,... Read more

March 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Ready for the Super Bowl? First Things First. Here Are Some Classic Hip-Hop Commercials (Video)

Commercials are always a big part of Super Bowl Sunday. With that in mind, here’s a video playlist of some vintage hip-hop commercials. You’ll see Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys, Kid 'N'... Read more

February 2, 2014 Throwback

What’s Wrong with New York Hip-Hop? The Lox Speak…And It Gets HEATED (Video)

There's been a lot of chatter about what's wrong with New York Hip-Hop, but few are more qualified to speak on the issue than The Lox. They sat down with NYC's Hot 97 and kept it 100% real. They discussed the politics at major record labels, why Jadakiss won't release... Read more

December 27, 2013 Video

Which Artist on XXL’s 40 Years of Hip-Hop Issue Reps Hip-Hop Best? Check Out All 5 Here (Photos)

40 years ago in 1973, Kool Herc threw a party in the basement of his building and Hip-Hop, the culture we celebrate everyday, was born. For their year-end issue, XXL has put together an issue celebrating that milestone and it has 5 different covers featuring iconic artists. Check out all... Read more

December 27, 2013 Food for Thought

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of August 2013 (Audio Playlist)

August may well go down as the hottest month of the year (literally and musically) when all is said and done. It will no doubt be remembered as the month Kendrick Lamar set the Hip-Hop world aflame with 1 verse and woke up the Hip-Hop Nation. In addition to Big... Read more

September 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Talib Kweli on Why Hip-Hop Isn’t Talent Based Now (Video)

“I don’t care about bars, I just wanna turn up” As disgusting a statement like that is to Hip-Hop heads, legendary lyricist Talib Kweli states that sadly that’s the truth for the majority of the country right now, if their only source for Hip-Hop is the radio. However, he does... Read more

August 21, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of July 2013 (Audio Playlist)

Jay-Z dominated the headlines in July, but there was a LOT of good music from other artists last month, as well. Here's a playlist of the best hip-hop to drop in July. You'll hear music from MC Lyte, Q-Tip, J. Cole, Rapsody, Pete Rock & Camp Lo, Daz Dillinger, Nipsey... Read more

August 4, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists

EPMD & Redman Perform Headbanger at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The first time I heard EPMD's Headbanger was the first the first time I heard Redman and his verse DESTROYED me. The 3 united for a performance of the epic posse cut at the 2013 Brooklyn Hip-Hop festival. All that was missing was K-Solo...Check out the video. Related: Redman Performs... Read more

July 20, 2013 Throwback

D-Dot Compares Biggie’s Work Style To Jay-Z’s (Video)

When you're blessed to work with two of the greatest MC's that have ever graced this industry, you can't help but pay attention to the process that goes into recording classic material. Check out this clip of D-Dot speaking on the difference between Biggie and Jay-Z's recording habits. Related: DJ Premier... Read more

July 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of June 2013 (Audio Playlist)

As we ease into July 4th weekend, here's a look back at the best hip-hop that dropped in June. You'll hear music from J. Cole, Nas, Curren$y, Mac Miller, Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Posdnuos, Kid Tsunami, Drake, LL Cool J, Slum Village, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Joey Bada$$,... Read more

July 3, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Hip-Hop Super Tuesday – Kanye West – Yeezus + J. Cole – Born Sinner + Mac Miller – Watching Movies With the Sound Off + Statik Selektah – Extended Play

Today is the best Tuesday for hip-hop in a long time. With the release of Kanye West's Yeezus, J. Cole's Born Sinner, Mac Miller's Watching Movies with the Sound Off and Statik Selektah's Extended Play, there is something for all fans of hip-hop. Whether you like underground or commercial, artsy... Read more

June 18, 2013 Audio

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of May 2013 (Audio Playlist)

As the year heats up, so does the music. May brought new and previously unheard tracks from Rakim, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, J. Cole, Aasim & Nas, Styles P, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Black Hippy, Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Goodie M.o.B., Prodigy, Havoc, Tito Lopez, AZ, Kanye West and more. You can... Read more

June 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Big KRIT Reflects on Life & Hip-Hop Through King Remembered in Time, Pt. 3 (Video)

In part 3 of our interview with Big K.R.I.T. about his King Remembered In Time mixtape, K.R.I.T. talked about the struggles and pressure that came with making his first album; feeling like he failed and let his fans down; his resolve to never let it happen again; the redemption he... Read more

May 8, 2013 Video

Raekwon – Hip-Hop: Yesterday, Today, Forever (Video)

Here's a cool short video on Raekwon. It includes and impassioned performance of C.R.E.A.M. by The Chef as well as an interview where he discusses the current state of hip-hop, including his respect for Kendrick Lamar. Check out the video. Related: Statik Selektah – Bird’s Eye View ft Raekwon, Joey... Read more

April 19, 2013 Video

UNITY: A Salute to the Women of Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

March is women's history month. Here's a video playlist celebrating the many contributions to hip-hop by women. You'll find music from MC Lyte, The Lady of Rage, Jean Grae, Rapsody, Lil Kim, Bahamadia, Da Brat, Eve, Foxy Brown, Nicky Minaj, Rah Digga, Queen Latifah, Salt N Pepa, Left Eye, Lauryn... Read more

March 8, 2013 Featured-homepage, Video

AFH: For the Love of Hip-Hop (Playlist)

We do it all for the love, y'all...the love of hip-hop. On this Valentine's Day, here's a playlist celebrating the many expressions of love in hip-hop. You'll hear music from Nas, OutKast, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Method Man, Slum Village, Heavy D, Mos Def, UGK and more. Check... Read more

February 14, 2013 Audio, Playlists

AFH: The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2012 (Audio Playlist)

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December 27, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Ambrosia For Heads – The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2012 (Part 1)

In looking back, there was a lot of great hip-hop released in 2012. So much so that we decided to do our year in review in 2 parts. Here's part 1 of a 2-part playlist of the best songs of the year. Part 1 covers Jan - June and you'll... Read more

December 22, 2012 Audio, Playlists

AFH: Best Hip-Hop Videos of 2012

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December 17, 2012 Featured-homepage, Video

This is…the REMIX (Audio Playlist)

It used to be remixes were a BIG deal. Unlike now, where an extra verse from a featured rapper constitutes a remix, remixes were often wholly-different takes on a song. The track was substantially different than the original and sometimes there were completely new verses. Here's a playlist of some... Read more

December 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Rolling Stones’ 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time (Food For Thought)

Rolling Stone has taken on the impossible task of trying to identify and rank the top 50 hip-hop songs of all time. They asked 33 artists and experts their picks and crunched the numbers. The list is respectable and thought-provoking. You can read it in its entirety and listen to... Read more

December 5, 2012 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

Who would you say is the best hip-hop group of the 90’s? Mister Cee tackles that question with his latest “Best of” mix. You can listen to and download his Best 90’s Hip-Hop Group Mix below (Mixtape)

Related: Back in the day 90's playlist (Video)... Read more

October 19, 2012 Audio

Nas performs DJ Khaled’s Hip-Hop live at Rock the Bells (Video)

Nas brought out Scarface during his set at Rock the Bells last night. Face ran through My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me and Guess Who's Back, and he and Nas ended with their instant classic duet Hip-Hop. Check out the footage below. Related: Nas - Bye Baby (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2012 Video

Check out DJ Khaled’s Hip-Hop featuring Nas & Scarface and produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League with scratches from DJ Premier. EPIC (Audio)

Related: The making of DJ Khaled's Hip-Hop featuring Nas & Scarface (Video) and A Playlist celebrating the career of the legendary Scarface (Audio)... Read more

August 9, 2012 Audio

The making of DJ Khaled’s song Hip-Hop featuring Nas, Scarface & DJ Premier (Video)

Nas and Scarface on a J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League track with DJ Premier scratching on the hooks?? Epic. Here's a behind the scenes video showing the making of the record called Hip-Hop which will be featured on DJ Khaled's upcoming album. Check it out. Related: Nas discusses his "ghost writers" (Video)... Read more

August 9, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

A lot of hot hip-hop has dropped over the last couple of months. Here’s a playlist featuring some of the best joints from May and June (Audio)

You'll find music from Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Brother Ali, Dom Kennedy, Phife Dawg, MF DOOM, Big Boi, Big K.R.I.T., MMG, Kanye West, T.I., Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Childish Gambino, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Pac Div, Goodie Mob, Large Professor, Snoop Dogg and much more. If you're down... Read more

June 28, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here are 2 playlists of hip-hop from the 80’s and 90’s and the 80’s R&B originals that inspired them (Playlist)

Learning recently that Nas had been thinking about rocking over the Juicy sample on Illmatic before Biggie did it on Ready To Die reminded me how much hip-hop is built on smoothed out 80's R&B. So, this week here are 2 playlists. The first is full of smoothed out R&B... Read more

April 21, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Miami (Bass) vs. Los Angeles (G-Funk) (Playlist)

5 on 5. Miami vs. LA. Big game today between the Lakers and Heat. As you wait for the game (or not) here are 2 playlists featuring 5 back in the day songs each that represent the distinctive sound generated in hip-hop from each locale. For Miami, it was the... Read more

March 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

The 10 Most Anticipated Hip Hop Albums Of 2012

Here's a really dope article from The Well Versed listing their 10 most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2012, including Big K.R.I.T., Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Jay Electronica, Kendrick Lamar and more. Check out what they said about Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid in a Mad City below. Which album are you looking... Read more

February 9, 2012 Food for Thought