jay-z Archives

JAY-Z Details The Pain & Progress That Came From Making 4:44 & Lemonade (Video)

Published one day after he led the 2018 Grammy nominations with eight, JAY-Z's latest New York Times interview, with Dean Baquet, has been released. The 35-minute video conversation delves heavily into "The Story Of O.J.," one of the individual 4:44 moments for which Jay was nominated. Additionally, the two Black... Read more

November 29, 2017 Fresh

Q-Tip is FURIOUS. He Calls Out The Grammys For Snubbing A Tribe Called Quest (Video)

Last February, A Tribe Called Quest were joined by Busta Rhymes and Anderson .Paak for a show-stealing Grammy Awards performance that included "We The People," "Movin Backwards," and splashes of "Can I Kick It?" and "Award Tour." Nine months later, neither A.T.C.Q. nor their final album (released one year ago... Read more

November 28, 2017 News, Video

JAY-Z & Kendrick Lamar Dominate 2018 Grammy Nominations

The nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards are in. The event returns to New York City for the first time in 15 years and will broadcast on January 28, 2018. As many Hip-Hop Heads predicted, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar receive a plethora of consideration, for 4:44 and DAMN., respectively. Jay,... Read more

November 28, 2017 News

Timbaland Describes His Near Fatal Overdose With Oxycontin

Timbaland has been tied to some of Hip-Hop's most beloved songs. Besides his sprawling solo catalog and work with Magoo, Timothy Mosley has supplied unforgettable sounds for JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Petey Pablo, and Bubba Sparxxx. The Virginia producer/rapper who now calls Miami, Florida his home is in the midst... Read more

November 27, 2017 News

MICK Has Created The Ultimate DJ Premier x JAY-Z Mashup Mix (Audio)

DJ Premier and JAY-Z have a history that goes back more than 20 years. Preemo was a major contributor on Jay's debut, Reasonable Doubt, the album Jay still contends is the finest work he ever created. Premier would go on to have a presence on Jay's next 3 albums, but... Read more

November 22, 2017 Audio

Vic Mensa’s Latest Performance Makes A Powerful Plea For World Peace (Video)

In between a show in Cleveland and heading onto Quebec as the sole opening act on JAY-Z’s 4:44 Tour, Vic Mensa stopped by the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan for an impassioned performance of "We Could be Free" on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Toting a string quartet, pianist,... Read more

November 21, 2017 Video

Pete Rock Goes Hard In The Paint At Waka Flocka For Disrespecting Hip-Hop’s OGs

At the top of this month, rapper Waka Flocka Flame appeared in a lengthy video interview with the ThisIs50 staff. Among a host of topics, the gold-certified rapper defended his generation and faulted Hip-Hop's older community for not properly informing him and his peers about the industry, and providing necessary information. Around... Read more

November 19, 2017 News, Video

JAY-Z Says The Criminal Justice System Stalks Black People

JAY-Z has devoted a lot of his time in the last year to fighting the prison industry. The artist-turned-mogul who rapped on "Justify My Thug" that he'd never been to jail has made it a personal point to advocate for prisoner's rights, as well as provide resources to end recidivism.... Read more

November 17, 2017 Lifestyle, News

CyHi The Prynce Explains Why He Likens JAY-Z To A Modern Day Martin Luther King (Video)

CyHi The Prynce is recognized for his ability to combine the spiritual and political in his rhymes, so it’s no surprise he relates to the world and the people within it through a similar lens. When speaking with Billboard this week, CyHi likened JAY-Z, the man he considers his mentor, to Civil... Read more

November 16, 2017 News, Video

Meek Mill Is Back In Jail Even Though The D.A. & Police Don’t Want Him There (Video)

Today (November 8), Meek Mill turned himself into processing with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He begins a sentence ordered Monday (November 6) of two-to-four years for probation violation. Meanwhile, Meek Mill’s lawyer is upping the ante in his battle of words against the judge overseeing the case. Joe Tacopina,... Read more

November 8, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, News, Video

Irv Gotti Explains Why Nas & Murder Inc.’s Brief Union Was A Huge Mistake (Video)

Irv Gotti is the latest guest on Drink Champs, and the beverages flowed in a big way. The Queens, New Yorker began as a DJ, became one of Hip-Hop's biggest A&Rs (at Def Jam) along with a producer charging $250,000 per beat. However, Gotti is best known for founding Murder... Read more

November 8, 2017 Video

JAY-Z’s 4:44 Tour Is Raising Lots Of Money & Lots Of Questions

UPDATE: Following reports late last week that JAY-Z's 4:44 Tour appeared off to a slow start based on low prices for some tickets and venues with attendance that was far under capacity, new information emerges. Live Nation, who is responsible for the tour, now tells Billboard that Jay's latest campaign... Read more

November 6, 2017 News

Kanye West Claps Back At His Haters On A New Collabo With CyHi The Prynce (Audio)

While Kanye West has been a mainstay in the news this year, almost none of it has been because of his music. Early in the year, Ye made headlines for his decision not to attend the 2017 Grammy Awards. In the past, he has made his disdain for their process... Read more

October 31, 2017 Audio

Hannibal Burress Tells The Story Of Being Scolded By JAY-Z Because Of This Photo (Video)

Over the years, a photo of Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, JAY-Z and Beyoncé has taken on a few different lives. The original picture surfaced in on June 6, 2016, as the celebs gathered at Jay's 40/40 club, in celebration of Vic's 23rd birthday. A little more than a year... Read more

October 30, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

JAY-Z Combats 1 NFL Owner’s Divisive Words With A Message Of Unity (Video)

This weekend, ESPN magazine reported on just what transpired behind the National Football League's closed doors. Earlier this month, several owners, players, and league officials met to discuss the ongoing National Anthem protests. Criticism, TV boycotts, and declining attendance continue to plague the NFL's revenue and public image. Thereby, the... Read more

October 29, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

Drake Has Thrown Darts At Kendrick & JAY-Z, But Chooses Not To Face Them At The Grammys

Drake's More Life marked his seventh consecutive #1 project on the Top 200. The Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic Records "playlist" (as it was marketed) has already achieved double-platinum certification following its March release. However, Drake—who possesses three Grammy awards—reportedly has opted not to submit More Life for consideration in next... Read more

October 26, 2017 News

Joey Bada$$ Turns His Amerikkkan Idol Into A 2017 Version Of JAY-Z’s Dead Presidents (Video)

Joey Bada$$ is fast at work promoting his 2017 sophomore album. All AmeriKKKan Bada$$ is the Brooklyn, New Yorker's second consecutive #5 debut. While stopping by the BBC, the Pro Era front man performed LP closer "AMERIKKKAN IDOL." The DJ Khalil (of Self Scientific) cut features such strong lyrics as "Now you tryna... Read more

October 26, 2017 Video

Justin Timberlake Will Perform At The Super Bowl In The Worst Year He Could Have Chosen

On February 1, 2004, Justin Timberlake was part of arguably the most memorable, and certainly the most controversial Super Bowl halftime concert. In the middle of the halves of battle between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, the fledgling solo star (two years removed from NSYNC) shared the stage... Read more

October 23, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film

Fat Joe Is Taking 1 Million Pounds Of Supplies To Puerto Rico (Video)

In a week filled with tragedy in Las Vegas, the devastation of Hurricane Maria two weeks ago continues to leave Puerto Rico in crisis. Only 8% of the island with over 3 million inhabitants has electricity, and only 36% of its ATMs are working. Eighty-percent of its hospitals are still... Read more

October 5, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Celebrates Colin Kaepernick & Bares His Soul In 2 SNL Performances (Video)

Last night, JAY-Z, along with host Ryan Gosling, helped kick off the 43rd season of Saturday Night Live. While Jay is no stranger to the SNL stage, this was the first time he performed music from his recent 4:44 album before a national TV audience, and he made the most... Read more

October 1, 2017 Video

Kendrick Lamar & Chance The Rapper Show Conscious MCs Can Make The Forbes List Too

On his song "Moment Of Clarity," JAY-Z infamously rapped "I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars / They criticized me for it, yet they all yell 'holla' / If skills sold, truth be told / I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli / Truthfully I wanna rhyme like... Read more

September 27, 2017 Lifestyle

50 Cent Explains Why Despite Their Beef Prodigy & Tupac Were Truly Alike (Video)

In May of 2006, Mobb Deep would release their seventh album, a first with G-Unit/Interscope Records. Blood Money would be Prodigy and Havoc's lone album with 50 Cent. However, a Queens, New York bond seemed especially strong, when Curtis Jackson—at the top of the Rap food-chain gave his borough neighbors luxury... Read more

September 27, 2017 Video

A Study Identifies Words That Make Each MC Unique. Here’s What Defines Some Of The Best.

In 2014, data scientist Matt Daniels released a comprehensive study that stirred up intense discourse in the Hip-Hop community. The analysis dissected over 35,000 lyrics to determine which MCs had the most extensive vocabularies in their rhymes. Now, Daniels has returned with another deep dive into Hip-Hop linguistics, and this... Read more

September 26, 2017 Lifestyle

Rapsody Explains Why Overnight Success Is A Myth & Only The Grind Is Real (Video)

During a recent Breakfast Club interview, host Charlamagne Tha God asked Rapsody to explain one of her Laila's Wisdom lyrics: “People enjoy the car more than the drive.” Near the 24:00 mark, Rap’ unpacked the line and spoke about the disconnect some have between aspiring for success and being both patient... Read more

September 25, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Performs Family Feud With A Choir & Restores The Harmony (Video)

JAY-Z recently told BBC's Live Lounge, "I've always tried to push the envelope as an artist, and make new things, and try to make things that's an elevated version of what I've done...I have to be happy with it before I let it go." JAY-Z Reveals He And Prodigy Made... Read more

September 22, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Reveals He And Prodigy Made Peace Before His Death (Video)

While the JAY-Z vs. Nas battle of the early 2000s may be the one that gets the most ink in the history books, Hov's beef with late Mobb Deep MC Prodigy is one of legend too. From Summer Jam photo reveals to disses on both sides, these two artists had... Read more

September 7, 2017 Video

Scarface Shares A Snippet Of His New Music. It’s About To Get Ugly (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 23, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

JAY-Z Says Kanye West Crossed The Line When He Talked About Jay’s Wife & Kids (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 20, 2017 Audio

JAY-Z Addresses Checking Kanye & Why They Have Not Spoken Since (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

JAY-Z Presents New Sides Of Himself As Lupita Nyong’o Shows Many Faces (Video)

On recent Fridays, JAY-Z has publicly shared the music videos from June's 4:44 album. Taking a page from Beyoncé's Lemonade, Hov' apparently made visuals to his entire No I.D.-produced 13th solo album. JAY-Z Admits Infidelity & Explains His Issues With Kanye West On His New Album (Audio) The "MaNyfacedGod" music... Read more

August 18, 2017 Video

Sadat X Drops A Freestyle Filled With The Grown Man Rap He’s Made For Years (Video)

Debates about a so-called "generation gap" in Rap music will likely be a perennial characteristic of the genre. As recently as the June release of JAY-Z's 4:44, vociferous fans and critics engaged in discussions about "grown-man Rap" and how a 47-year-old MC was able to drop one of the best albums... Read more

August 14, 2017 Video

JAY-Z’s Video For “Moonlight” Re-Creates “Friends” With An All-Star Black Cast

In 2003, Aisha Tyler joined the cast of NBC's long-running television series, Friends. She played a recurring character who represented the show's most visible Black character in its then nine-year history. Along with shows like Sex and the City and Seinfeld, the New York City-based sitcom often came under fire for the lack of... Read more

August 11, 2017 Video

Long Before DMX, JAY-Z & Ja Rule Were Murdering MCs, They Had Time To Build (Audio)

In the late 1990s, DMX, JAY-Z, and Ja Rule came together for two incredible collaborations. On Jay's Streets Is Watching soundtrack from early 1998, "Murdergram" showed that these grimy, overly irritated MCs hit their marks when they were together. In pivoting to Ja Rule's 1999 debut Venni Vetti Vecci, "It's... Read more

August 10, 2017 Do Remember

A New Biggie Documentary Features Unreleased Footage And Nas & JAY-Z Rapping His Lyrics (Video)

In less than one month, the Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. documentary will air on television. This is the first doc authorized by the rapper's estate, and contains never before released audio of Biggie talking. It will feature Biggie's wife Faith Evans, his mother Voletta Wallace, his right-hand man... Read more

August 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

O.D.B. Was One Of The First To Co-Sign Kanye As An MC. The Receipt Proves It (Audio)

In 2002, during an era where mainstream Hip-Hop appeared heavily saturated with gangsterism and hustler narratives, a preppy, middle-class, pink Polo shirt-rockin’ producer from the Chicago suburbs shocked the Rap game by signing to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records at its pinnacle. While renowned for his distinctive, soulful production, Kanye West had... Read more

August 6, 2017 Throwback

JAY-Z’s Open Letter To His Father Is About Pain & Progress (Video)

JAY-Z's 4:44 is proving to be a preeminent example of "mature" Rap music. At 47 years old, the iconic MC released a piece of music that is deeply personal and resonant with millions of fans, from his comments about infidelity to financial advice, openness about homosexuality in his family and... Read more

August 4, 2017 Video

The Blueprint: How 1 Kanye West Beat Tape Changed Roc-A-Fella Records Forever (Audio)

In September of 2001, JAY-Z released his sixth album. The Blueprint was wholeheartedly a pivot. To his fans, Shawn Carter had an incredible consistent streak of quality, authenticity, and event-worthy album-making. Five years removed from his debut album, S.Dot sought a new sound, and raised the stakes in every possible... Read more

August 2, 2017 Audio

Andre 3000 Thinks He’s Gotten Too Old To Rap. He’s Wrong.

It has been more than a decade since Andre 3000 released any album. The Outkast co-founder has picked his spots since 2006's Idlewild and used scarce verses to freshen his discography. From UGK to Frank Ocean, DJ Unk to Divine Council, 3 Stacks has made those appearances count. However, at... Read more

August 1, 2017 News

Shaq Comes Out Of Rap Retirement To Ether LaVar Ball. Technical Foul! (Audio)

Over the last couple of months Shaquille O'Neal and LaVar Ball, two of basketball's most colorful personalities, have been exchanging sharp words. Shaq, one of the most dominant big men to ever play the sport, took issue with the Ball family's decision to price the sneakers of LaVar's son, Lonzo... Read more

July 28, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Dangles Rihanna From A Skyscraper In The Video For “Loyalty”

Every aspect of the rollout for Kendrick Lamar's album, DAMN. has been extraordinary. The campaign kicked off with a single Instagram post bearing the Roman numeral "IV," the title for a surprise song at the end of which Kendrick announced the forthcoming LP. When the album, itself, was released on... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Delivers Raw Truths About Beyonce, Solange, Kanye & Himself (Video)

JAY-Z's "Kill Jay Z" may be the most talked about song on 4:44. While the June album's title track suggested infidelity in his marriage to Beyoncé, this record is thought to be the one that prompted Kanye West to sever exclusive ties with Jay's Tidal service, and pursue legal action... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video

Eminem & Royce 5’9’s Original First Collabo Showed It’s All Good When Bad Meets Evil (Audio)

Though Royce 5’9 and Eminem would have listeners convinced they are the living embodiment of all that is bad and evil, on the mic, Slim Shady and Nickel Nine are a match made in heaven. Em' is generally revered as a “Rap God,” but the equally skillful Royce takes “Second... Read more

July 27, 2017 Do Remember

3D Na’Tee Might Have Outrapped JAY-Z On His Own Song & She Drops Knowledge Too (Audio)

"The Story of O.J." continues to prove to be a source of inspiration for artists. The JAY-Z record with some of 2017's most compelling visual accompaniment is one of 4:44's standout tracks, and has already inspired Detroit rapper Page Kennedy's pen. On the original version, the song is akin to Mos... Read more

July 25, 2017 Audio

Last Of A Dying Breed: Why Scarface Is The Greatest MC Of All Time (Video)

Scarface is an MC who is a keystone within a legendary group, the Geto Boys. However, he also maintains a solo catalog that is arguably even more impressive. Brad Jordan's career expands nearly 30 years, and the Houston, Texas legend has made a powerful impact with the fans, the critics,... Read more

July 22, 2017 Exclusive, Food for Thought, TBD, Video

JAY-Z Visits Bob Marley’s Home & Returns With A Song That Claps Like Thunder (Video)

The more details that emerge about JAY-Z's 4:44 album, the more it becomes clear that the album is a reflection of all aspects of the veteran MC. The lyrical content delves more deeply into the mind of Shawn Carter than perhaps any of his earlier work. Jay peels back his... Read more

July 21, 2017 Video

Rakim Salutes JAY-Z’s Growth On His 4:44 Album (Video)

Over the past 3 weeks, JAY-Z has received near universal acclaim for his album, 4:44. Along with being sonically engaging, the No I.D.-produced album may be Jay's most revealing to date. He touches on matters personal to his family, friends, foes, and upbringing, and also shares plentiful jewels about life... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

O.J. Simpson Has Been Granted Parole: The Story Of O.J. Continues

For more than 50 of his 70 years on Earth, O.J. Simpson has been at the center of attention. He first became a household name on the football field, followed by on movie screens and televisions around the world. Despite the celebrity he enjoyed for the first 23 of those... Read more

July 20, 2017 Lifestyle

Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington Found Dead At Age 41

Chester Bennington was a writer, vocalist and eventual guitarist for band Linkin Park during their five consecutive #1 albums. Today (July 20), Bennington has been confirmed dead. The 41-year-old Phoenix, Arizona native was found hanging in his California home after an apparent suicide. For the Hip-Hop community, Bennington is remembered... Read more

July 20, 2017 News

An Insider Reveals How Suge & Death Row Got Those Unlikely Guest Appearances (Video)

When Death Row Records launched in the early 1990s, they used Hollywood's SOLAR Records Studios to lay their tracks. After making "Deep Cover" for the SOLAR's soundtrack of the same name, Dr. Dre recorded and mixed The Chronic with some of the very same consoles and equipment used to make... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Page Kennedy’s Freestyle Replies To JAY-Z’s Story Of O.J. & Adds A Chapter (Audio)

JAY-Z made one of his most provocative songs in years with 4:44's "The Story Of OJ," while dropping jewels about ownership, accumulating wealth, and still dealing with institutional racism in 2017. Along the way, Hov apparently chided some of Rap's underclassmen. "Y'all on the 'Gram holdin' money to your ear /... Read more

July 19, 2017 Audio