interview Archives

Here’s an Amazing Piece Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn

Gang Starr's Hard to Earn album turns 20 years old tomorrow (3/8). To celebrate the landmark LP, Nahright & Up North Trips have put together a phenomenal piece that features a track by track breakdown of the making of the album by DJ Premier, himself. Check out an excerpt and... Read more

March 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rick Ross Finally Speaks on Being a Correctional Officer (Video)

There have been quite a few controversies during Rick Ross' career. Arguably, the biggest, however, was the disclosure that he was a prison correctional officer prior to his Rap career. After years, of silence, Rozay is speaking on his past occupation. Here's what he had to say. Related: Rick Ross... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

How Will Andre 3000 Fare as Jimi Hendrix? Watch This 1st Look and Weigh In (Video)

The Hip-Hop and Rock worlds have been abuzz since it was announced Andre 3000 would take on the role of Jimi Hendrix in the film "All is By My Side." Now, some years later, we finally have our first look at Mr. Benjamin channeling Mr. Hendrix. Take a look at... Read more

March 5, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad & SZA Discuss OXYMORON (Video)

There have been several videos promoting the release of Schoolboy Q's OXYMORON, but this is one of the best. As they did when Kendrick Lamar released good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Google Play has put together a short film about Q and OXYMORON. He speaks candidly about battling addiction, the process... Read more

March 2, 2014 Throwback

CyHi The Prynce is a STAR. Here’s an Amazing Interview, Performance & Co-Sign From Rev. Run (Video)

CyHi The Prynce has been 1 of the most talented MCs in the game for years. He burst onto the scene in 2011 when he joined Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music and he's experienced a renaissance this year with his Black Hystori Project mixtape. This week, he did an extended interview... Read more

March 1, 2014 Video

TDE Plans to Release New Albums From Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Black Hippy & Kendrick Lamar in 2014

Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar cover this week's issue of Billboard Magazine, but the story is a full report on the rise of their label, Top Dog Entertainment. After releasing albums from both Isaiah Rashad and Schoolboy Q already, TDE also plans to release new LPs from Jay Rock, Ab-Soul,... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh

Isaiah Rashad Speaks on the Work Required to be a TDE Artist and More (Video)

As one of TDE's newest artists, Isaiah Rashad is quickly establishing himself. He spoke with Mass Appeal about how he got signed, the work he had to put in as a member of TDE, being away from his son and more. If you haven't gotten familiar with him, this is... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Is Schoolboy Q Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Are You? (Video)

Schoolboy Q got the "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" treatment from Complex...and it was not as easy as it sounds. Check out the video to see how Q (and you) fare. Related: Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar Discuss the Early Days of Performing for Only 9 People (Audio)... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Rick Ross Reveals Diddy’s Ad Libs in “Nobody” Were Actually Real Talk. Puff Was Going In (Audio)

Rick Ross sat down with Angie Martinez to discuss his forthcoming Mastermind LP. During the interview, Ross detailed the process of how Nobody, his re-take on Biggie's You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You), was made. Not only did Ross seek the proper approvals from Diddy, he reached out to other... Read more

February 26, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar Discuss the Early Days of Performing for Only 9 People (Audio)

Schoolboy Q sat down with LA's Power 106 last night to discuss OXYMORON. In one of the more poignant moments of the interview, Kendrick Lamar called in to congratulate his label mate and the 2 had a humble and real discussion about how hard they had to work to reach... Read more

February 26, 2014 Audio, Video

Talib Kweli Speaks on Nelson Mandela, Favorite “Hood” Film Classics & More (Video)

Talib Kweli is the latest MC to answer The Questions from OkayPlayer. The supremely thoughtful MC spoke on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the influence of Amiri Baraka, his favorite "hood" movies and more. This is one of the best of The Questions series, so far. Check out the video.... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Magic Johnson Gives the Ultimate Assist by Speaking on HIV Treatment & Prevention (Video)

It's been more than 22 years since Magic Johnson publicly announced that he was HIV positive and instantly changed the discussion around the medical condition. To this day, Magic continues to educate on both HIV treatment and prevention. He recently sat down with Sway to discuss his health, his son... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Drake’s Done Talking. To Magazines Anyway.

On "F*ckin' Problems," Drake reminded listeners that he's not "for the long-talking." Communication will be at a premium with all formats it seems, for Drizzy. After there was a media hailstorm yesterday, surrounding Drake's Rolling Stone magazine comments about Macklemore's "wack as fuck" decision to text message Kendrick Lamar after... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh

Kevin Hart Discusses His First Sex Scene, Drops a Freestyle and More with Sway (Video)

Kevin Hart dropped by the Sway in the Morning show to discuss many of the the recent developments in his career, including the 6 movies he has coming out between now and 2015, doing his first sex scene, Sway's Kanye interview, Chocolate Droppa's career and more. He even dropped a... Read more

February 10, 2014 Video

Pharoahe Monch & Sway Have a Heavyweight Hip-Hop Convo & Monch Performs (Video)

Pharoahe Monch has been in the game a long time. Long enough, in fact, to help put Eminem on. The Hip-Hop Heavyweight sat down with Sway to discuss his career, being a record label owner, staying inspired, his new album and more. Pharoahe also performs a killer version of his... Read more

February 8, 2014 Video

Chuck D Talks About the Early Days of Public Enemy & the Need to Preserve Hip-Hop With Arsenio (Video)

Chuck D sat down with Arsenio and spoke about the first time he ever met Flavor Flav, what it meant to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the need to preserve Hip-Hop culture and more. Check out the videos below. Related: Chuck D and DMC over... Read more

January 25, 2014 Throwback

2 of Amerikkka’s Most Wanted: Ice Cube Speaks on the Richard Sherman “Controversy” (Video)

Who better to speak on the actions of Richard Sherman, a perceived angry Black man from LA, than Ice Cube who, back in the day, was seen as Amerikkka's angriest Black man from LA? There has been a lot of controversy about the Seattle Seahawks' Cornerback's interview after the NFC... Read more

January 24, 2014 Video

Big Boi Speaks (Briefly) on the OutKast Reunion (Video)

Big Boi spoke briefly about the OutKast reunion. It's about to be ON...Check out the video. Related: Outkast Is Playing 40 Concert Dates This Year, Andre 3000 & Big Boi Speak... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Did You Know SWV Hated the Right Here Remix??? The Ladies Tell the Story (Video)

SWV are now stars of a hit TV series but, before that, they were one of the biggest groups of the 90's. The Sisters With Voices, along with TLC and Mary J. Blige, help to usher in a new era of R&B that infused Hip-Hop into the sound. Here's an... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Pharrell Speaks on the Essence of Music For Him (Video)

Here's a short clip of Pharrell discussing what he seeks to accomplish with each song he produces, what inspires him in the studio and the essence of music for him. It is a philosophical discussion of emotion. Check out the video. Related: Pharrell Has That Grocery Store Joy In Happy... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Who Are the 3 Greatest MCs of All Time? Ice Cube Names His AND He Says He and Dre Are Working on the NWA Film (Video)

Ice Cube sat down for an extended interview with Sway. He discussed his new film with Kevin Hart, the forward progress of the NWA film he and Dr. Dre are working on and who he believes are the 3 greatest MCs of all time. After all that, he kicks a... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Says He Was Once Scared To Say He’s From Compton. Here’s Why (Video)

Like he does in his verses, Kendrick Lamar can do a lot in two minutes of video. In a new Pepsi-sponsored series leading up the Grammy Awards, "Day In The Life." While on the Yeezus Tour, K-Dot runs people through his tireless schedule, as he explains that most of his... Read more

January 15, 2014 Video

Here’s an Incredible Interview of Queen Latifah by Howard Stern…Oh, and She Says OutKast is Working on a New Album (Audio)

Queen Latifah sat down with Howard Stern for an hour+ long video and there is little ground they didn't cover-- Latifah's family life, her music and acting careers, her new talk show, past drug use...and, ever so briefly, Latifah, who used to manage OutKast, casually mentioned that the duo is... Read more

January 14, 2014 Audio

Bun B for Mayor in Houston? It Just Might Happen…(Audio)

Rumors have been swirling about Bun B making a run for mayor of Houston in 2015. Bun B addressed those rumors and his political aspirations, generally, in an interview with New York's Hot 97. Whether he runs or not, he's sounding pretty official... Related: Bun B Discourages Young Artists From... Read more

January 12, 2014 Audio

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Tell Arsenio They Want to Be Part of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Video)

After performing on The Arsenio Hall Show, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sat down with Arsenio for an exclusive online interview. The quintet discussed the unique brand of musicality they contributed to Hip-Hop and R&B, their desire to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and more. Check out the... Read more

January 11, 2014 Video

DJ Premier and Pete Rock Are Doing a Joint “Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier” Album (Video)

This is 50 caught up with DJ Premier and Pete Rock recently. The 2 legendary producer/DJs discussed touring, the BET Cyphers and their respective upcoming projects, including their joint Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier LP. Check out the video. Related: The 50 Most Compelling Visual Moments in Hip-Hop of 2013... Read more

January 5, 2014 Video

Scarface Says the Powers That Be are Dumbing Down Hip-Hop. Here’s Why (Video)

Chuck D famously said "radio suckas never play me" over 2 decades ago in protest of a format he believed catered to the lowest common denominator. According to Hip-Hop OG Scarface, not much has changed. He sat down with Combat Jack and spoke on how he believes Hip-Hop is being... Read more

December 29, 2013 Video

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

How Has Talib Kweli Stayed Relevant After 15+ Years? Here’s What He Had to Say (Video)

After more than 15 years, Talib Kweli remains one of the most talented and relevant MCs in Hip-Hop. He recently sat for an extended interview with NYC's Hot 97 to discuss his longevity, his new Gravitas album, the state of New York Hip-Hop and more. Check out the video. Related:... Read more

December 21, 2013 Video

Sway Has Got the Answer…Allen Iverson That Is. He Opens Up About His Early Retirement and More (Video)

Kanye West infamously told Sway he didn't have the answers but Sway recently sat down with the Answer, Allen Iverson. They spoke about why AI chose to retire so early, how he feels about basketball now, who he thinks is the best MC right now and more. Check out the... Read more

December 21, 2013 Video

Pharrell Talks with Leonard Nimoy About All Things Spock (Video)

In a meeting of Star Track and Star Trek, Pharrell sat down with Leonard Nimoy to talk all things Spock. The pair discussed the creation of the Spock character, how the Vulcan salute came to be, the controversy behind some of Nimoy's photography projects and more. Check out the video.... Read more

December 20, 2013 Video

Did You Know Chance the Rapper Almost Threw Up on Kendrick Lamar? He Tells Nardwaur That Story and Much More (Video)

This is a particularly interesting Nardwaur interview. Chance The Rapper enjoys the gifts and knowledge from the Human Serviette during a recent Vancouver, British Columbia show, but the microphone becomes of a bit of a space issue. Along the way though, Nardwuar prods Chance into discussing some critical '90s Chi-Town... Read more

December 19, 2013 Video

Raekwon Discusses Why Wu-Tang Clan Has Broken Up, the Loss of ODB and More with DJ Whoo Kid (Video)

Raekwon sat down with DJ Whoo Kid's Hollywood Shuffle recently. The Staten Island General was asked a series of dope questions by Whoo Kid. There, he admits he wished he was included on Ghostface Killah's "All I Got Is You" single from Ironman. He speaks about his growing interest and... Read more

December 12, 2013 Video

Kanye West Stepped in It Again…This Time with Arsenio Hall (Video)

The vast majority of Kanye West coverage has gotten inane, but after Ye made some comments about Arsenio Hall, Arsenio decided to respond, OG style...His words were calm but direct and sage. In particular, he dropped some real jewels on what he sees as Ye's cavalier use of the word... Read more

December 11, 2013 Video

50 Cent Speaks on the Differences Between Him and Kendrick Lamar…and Offers Some Advice to Kanye West (Video)

50 Cent spoke with XXL about his latest business venture, SMS headphones. During the conversation, he touched on Kanye West's recent frustrations and offered some wise words of advice. He also spoke about Kendrick Lamar and detailed some of their differing qualities. Check the video for 50's always unique perspective.... Read more

December 11, 2013 Video

Who’s Better, Jay Z or Nas? Here’s What Schoolboy Q Had to Say About It (Video)

Here's some extra footage from Schoolboy Q's recent sit down with Peter Rosenberg. In this installment, Q talks Jay Z vs. Nas. Check out what he had to say below. Related: ScHoolboy Q Might Be Having Some GQ Fun On His Version Of Man Of The Year (Audio)... Read more

December 8, 2013 Video

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Discuss Their 7 Grammy Nominations. Are They Hip-Hop’s Most Courageous Group? (Video)

Even if they don't take home a single Grammy, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis may get the crown of being the most courageous group in Hip-Hop. The duo had the guts to make Same Love, a song supporting equal marriage rights for all, and they were rewarded with nominations for Song... Read more

December 7, 2013 Video

Nas Speaks on the Impact of Nelson Mandela and More (Video)

Many in Hip-Hop have spoken about what Nelson Mandela meant to them since he passed away yesterday. Hip-Hop's ambassador, Nasir Jones, dropped a few jewels about Mandela and more in this brief interview. Check out the video. Related: Nas Talks Being in the Game for 20 Years, Turning 40, Why... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

Did Charlamagne Tha God Trigger Kanye West’s Explosion on The Sway in the Morning Show? Here’s the Interview That May Have Set if Off (Video)

After Kanye West's eruption on The Sway in the Morning show, he said to Sway "Charlamagne wanted this so bad. He wanted me to turn up so bad. I wouldn't even look at him." Kanye was referring to an interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy earlier,... Read more

November 27, 2013 Video

You May Have Heard the Audio of Kanye West Going Nuclear on Sway Earlier…Here’s the Full Video (Video)

Kanye West and Sway are friends. That's why it was all the more surprising that Kanye flipped so hard on Sway today during their interview. So how does an interview starting with Sway introducing Kanye as "the most important artist of this generation" get so heated? Check out the video... Read more

November 26, 2013 Featured-homepage, Video

Suge Knight Speaks at Length on Doggystye and Death Row, Claiming Dr. Dre Did None of the Production. He Also Speaks About Snoop’s Murder Trial, the Impact of Death Row and More.

Suge Knight spoke at length with Rolling Stone about Doggystyle, Snoop, Dr. Dre, Tupac and Death Row Records in light of the 20th anniversary of Doggystyle. The Death Row captain is not short on words and definitely not afraid of stirring controversy. Below are a few excerpts from the article... Read more

November 26, 2013 Throwback

Kanye West Goes Ballistic on the Sway in the Morning Show & Sway Loses His Cool. This Felt Personal (Audio)

UPDATE: Here's the Full Video of the Interview I've resisted getting on the bandwagon of calling Kanye West's recent public statements about his frustrations with his inability to break into the fashion world as "rants" because I think the term is dismissive and makes it easier to ignore some of... Read more

November 26, 2013 Audio

Nas Talks Being in the Game for 20 Years, Turning 40, Why Hip-Hop is Still Dead, His NY State of Mind, the “N” Word and More (Video)

To quote AZ Tha Visualiza, this is rather unique. Nas, on his 40th birthday, has "Talk Stoop" with NBC host Cat Greenleaf. The two discuss the state of the art through Nas' 20 years in the game. Perhaps most interesting, Cat asks the father for advice on helping her own... Read more

November 25, 2013 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Talks Life, Death, Music, Save Money and More in His Most Candid Interview Yet. Get to Know On of Hip-Hop’s Most Talented MCs on the Rise (Video)

Vic Mensa is one of the most talented MCs to burst onto the music scene in a long time. Though not technically new to Hip-Hop, having been a member of the band Kids These Days for four-plus years, Vic's solo move earlier in 2013 has allowed him to showcase all... Read more

November 25, 2013 Featured-homepage, Video

A Tribe Called Quest Reflects on Their Legacy After Their Last Show. Is This the Last Time We’ll See Them on Stage Together? (Video)

3 fourths of A Tribe Called Quest sat down with Revolt after their final run of performances to discuss the feeling they had at the show, as well as what their legacy has meant to Hip-Hop. Check out the video. Related: Phife Dawg Faces The Questions from OkayPlayer (Video)... Read more

November 25, 2013 Video

Bun B Discourages Young Artists From Accepting Remix Offers From Mainstream Rappers (Video)

Triple O.G. Bun B sat in for an interview with G-Unit Radio's DJ Whoo Kid on Shade 45. Bun, who's been a big brother MC to rappers ranging from A$AP Rocky and Big K.R.I.T. to Termanology and Vic Mensa tells the G-Unit DJ why artists should be cautious when a... Read more

November 25, 2013 Fresh, Video

Kanye West Explains New Slaves & Possible Sequels In New Interview (Video)

In addition to a lot of talk about fashion and brand products, Kanye West, who calls himself a "Christian Revolutionary Visionary" fields questions from Philly's Power 99 on air staff about Cruel Winter, Watch The Throne 2, and more. Like KRS-One, a Kanye interview seems to be compelling, regardless of... Read more

November 25, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Nas and DJ Premier Collabo Album is Coming…DJ Premier Speaks on the Project (Video)

EME caught up with DJ Premier to discuss his much anticipated joint album with Nas. Primo spoke on that, as well as working on new material with Joey Bada$$, Macklemore, The Lady of Rage and more. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru... Read more

November 24, 2013 Video

Would You Believe Snoop Has Never Listened to Doggystyle Front to Back and Gz and Hustlas Was a Freestyle? Snoop Reveals that and More (Video)

Snoop's classic Doggystyle is (deservedly) getting a lot of love on its 20th anniversary. The big Boss Dogg, himself, sat down with MTV to discuss the album. During the interview, he had some surprising revelations about Gz and Hustlas, Murder Was the Case and the album, generally. Check out the... Read more

November 23, 2013 Video

Eminem Talks Staying Close to His Roots and How He Sees Life After Rap with Zane Lowe (Video)

In the final installment of Eminem's interview with Zane Lowe, he discusses his love for Detroit, re-learning how to perform after getting sober and what he will do when he retires. Check out the video. Related: Marshall Mathers LP 2 Goes Platinum, Eminem Talks Love Game To Zane Lowe (Video)... Read more

November 21, 2013 Video