mtv ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Missy Elliott Works It! She Brings Her Classic Videos To Life At The VMAs

Last night (August 26), Missy Elliott accepted the coveted legacy prize at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The 48-year-old Portsmouth, Virginia MC, producer, dancer, and philanthropist was on hand to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard trophy, which puts her in the company of some of modern music's greatest... Read more

August 27, 2019 TV, TV/Film, Video

LL Cool J, DMX, Redman & Method Man Explain The Real Definition Of A Freestyle

Twenty-one years ago this month, LL Cool J released his "4, 3, 2, 1" single. Not unlike "I Shot Ya" two years prior, one of the most respected figures in Rap recruited a team of ferocious MCs to share the mic. In addition to Canibus, whose early career appearance and... Read more

December 16, 2018 Throwback, Throwback, Video

Xzibit Explains Why Pimp My Ride Was Profitable For Everyone But Him

From 2004 to 2007, Pimp My Ride brought custom car culture makeovers into living rooms around the world. It was hosted by Xzibit and the show further introduced the platinum-selling Los Angeles, California MC to a worldwide audience as a media personality. Centering around L.A.'s car culture, the series hooked... Read more

December 12, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

PMD Discusses Yo! MTV Raps’ Ed Lover Being One Of The Best Freestylers On The Planet (Audio)

From its inception in 1988 to its final episode in 1995, Yo! MTV Raps was a top springboard for Hip-Hop artists. It was an opportunity to showcase skills and unique styles on one of the largest platforms available to the genre. In an interview with HipHopDX, Parrish "PMD" Smith spoke... Read more

May 24, 2018 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Set The VMAs On Fire & Then He Humbly Won 6 Awards (Video)

Last night (August 27), the 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards took place at Inglewood, California's The Forum. The 2017 VMAs (and its reformatted list of categories) opened with the focus on Kendrick Lamar. The MC who has enjoyed #1's, platinum certifications, and other televised awards this calendar year kicked... Read more

August 28, 2017 News, Video

MTV Is Making History By Doing Away With Gendered Categories For The VMAs

Most music fans would likely agree that MTV has long since lost its standing as "Music Television," in both official title and its programming content. However, its annual Video Music Awards ceremony continues to draw millions of viewers and this year's installment is poised to make the television network a... Read more

July 25, 2017 Lifestyle

Vic Mensa Wilds Out On Method Man & Nick Cannon With A Savage Freestyle (Video)

Vic Mensa is the latest guest on Nick Cannon's Wild 'N Out show. Promoting his Manuscript EP, the Roc Nation MC participated in one of the show's longstanding Rap battles. With Method Man on stage, Mensa was out to annihilate the competition on behalf of his team. Vic Mensa Says... Read more

July 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Yo! MTV Raps Host Doctor Dré Calls Straight Outta Compton “Straight Outta Fiction” (Audio)

Hip-Hop is big enough to have some artists with multiple names. Notably, Mobb Deep and South Central Cartel were each compromised of duos Prodigy and Havoc (or "Prodeje" in S.C.C.'s case). There have been two Guru's, a couple Jay Dee's, and several Mike D's. Perhaps no tandem is more famous... Read more

January 24, 2017 Audio

Stillmatic Turns 15. Here’s A Look At Nas’ Return To His NY State Of Mind (Video)

Fifteen years ago today (December 18), Nas released his fifth album, Stillmatic. At a time before popular Rap stars were making albums into series and franchises, Nasir Jones flashed back to his 1994 debut. In the seven years since, the MC had two #1 albums, and gone platinum many times... Read more

December 18, 2016 Food for Thought

Ed Lover’s Tupac Stories Will Make You Cover Your Mouth (Audio)

Contemporary Hip-Hop has a plethora of media personalities presenting, dissecting, and analyzing the music and culture. Names such as Sway Calloway, Charlamagne Tha God, Miss Info, and DJ Vlad come to mind in breaking news, discourse, and reaction to the daily stream of events. These personalities use different media platforms... Read more

August 16, 2016 Audio

Celebrate The 28th Anniversary of “Yo! MTV Raps” With Its Very First Episode (Video)

There may not be a more singularly recognized television channel as MTV, which launched on August 1, 1981. Originally formulated as an all-music outlet (MTV once stood for Music Television) devoted to airing videos, it eventually grew to include original programming and underwent a significant identity change in the 2000s.... Read more

August 2, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Redman Salutes Shaq’s Raps. He Also Knights 50 Cent As The Last Of His Era (Video)

Redman is a true Hip-Hop character. When the Def Squad MC sits in front of a camera, he commands attention. Appearing in First We Feast's "Hot Ones" hot wings challenge, Reggie Noble is no exception. As the hot sauces turn up the spice, Funk Doctor gets teary, he puts his... Read more

July 7, 2016 Video

Reminisce Over Pete Rock & CL Smooth 24 Years After Mecca & The Soul Brother (Video)

Today (June 9), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's full-length debut, Mecca & The Soul Brother turns 24 years old. The Elektra Records album would represent a zenith for the pair of MC/producers from above the Bronx (Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, New York respectively). The LP included one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

June 9, 2016 Do Remember

Method Man & Redman Transform Into Beavis & Butthead And Rock Wilder (Video)

The mysterious Mylo The Cat, the creator of several mashups of Hip-Hop bangers with Muppet videos, has struck again. While not much is known about "Mylo," over the years, the cool cat has seamlessly fused together visuals of Dr. Teeth performing as Wu-Tang Clan's ODB, Gonzo performing as Digital Underground's... Read more

June 9, 2016 Video

“MTV Cribs” & “Unplugged” To Return In 2016

MTV is bringing back two of its legacy programs for 2016, closely associated with the network's programming of the 1990s and early 2000s. MTV Cribs launched in year 2000, and included more than 100 episodes. The series was a behind-the-scenes look at musicians and celebrity homes, toured by the owner.... Read more

April 24, 2016 News, TV

A Tribe Called Quest Hit ’90s TV With An Amazing “Rhime” Routine (Audio)

This week, Hip-Hop and music-lovers are deeply mourning the loss of Phife Dawg. At 45 years old, the man born Malik Taylor died from complications due to diabetes on March 22. For more than 25 years, the Queens, New York MC and co-founder of A Tribe Called Quest impressed lyric... Read more

March 24, 2016 Do Remember

Gang Starr Hit Yo! MTV Raps Amidst Their 1994 Mass Appeal, With A Freestyle (Video)

Throughout the history of Gang Starr, there were a host of important albums and movements. In the late 1990s, Guru and DJ Premier went gold (with a Top 10) in Moment Of Truth, gathering the award tour of a much-deserved greatest hits look follow-up, Full Clip. A decade prior, it... Read more

September 6, 2015 Throwback

Heartbreak Of Late: How Katrina, Taylor & A Tragic Loss Shaped Kanye West

In the last 15 years, has an artist used the medium of music videos as profoundly and as dynamically as Kanye West? At last night's (August 30) 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Mr. West received the honorary Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, placing him in the company of not only... Read more

August 31, 2015 Food for Thought, Video

Redman Tells Why He Kept His MTV Cribs Episode 100% Real (Video)

In 2001, Redman starred in the most popular segment in the history of MTV's longstanding series, Cribs. In a time when it was commonplace for guests to showcase their lifestyles of the rich and famous--palatial mansions, fancy cars, swimming pools--Redman did something completely different. He kept it real. Years after the... Read more

August 2, 2015 Video

Ever See This Vintage Slick Rick Freestyle With Rahzel On The Beatbox? (Video)

Here's a look back at a vintage freestyle by Slick Rick the Ruler, accompanied by human beatbox extraordinaire and Roots-affiliate, Rahzel. The clip is from a promo campaign for an MTV Hip-Hop week that looks to have taken place in the late 90s. Rick is "fresh dressed like a million... Read more

May 16, 2015 Throwback

Redman Reflects On MTV Cribs and What It Said About Who He Is

Whether you're a Def Squad Head or a lover of pranksters, Redman's episode of "MTV: Cribs" is that of legend. At a time when celebrities—especially rappers were showing gold-leaf wallpaper, infinity pools, personal chefs and garages that looked like Italian car dealerships, Reggie Noble was the antithesis. In year 2001,... Read more

May 6, 2015 Throwback, TV

MTV Has Uncovered A Raw Interview With Ol’ Dirty Bastard From 1997 (Video)

One of the introductory members to New York's mega Hip-Hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, Ol' Dirty Bastard left the Earth and the Wu far too early at the young age of 35, just a little over a decade ago in 2004. Today in 2015, MTV has linked up with Genius to... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback, Video

There Have Been A Gang Of Death Row Records Documentaries, But This One Stands Tall (Video)

Starting when the label was less than six years old, documentaries started releasing around the creation, controversy, and commercial dominance of Death Row Records. Started by Marion "Suge" Knight and Dr. Dre in late 1991, the Los Angeles, California-based label released classic, multi-platinum albums by Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Tha Dogg... Read more

January 11, 2015 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Addresses Ferguson, Eric Garner and Instilling Self Esteem (Video)

Over the last five years, Kendrick Lamar as been one of Hip-Hop's leading social commentators through his music. Songs like "Vanity Slaves," "Keisha's Song" and "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" address various issues plaguing the community. So, when MTV recently asked Kendrick about the events around the country... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

RZA Freestyles Out Of The Blue During An Interview, Talks Battling Inspectah Deck (Video)

So MTV News opted to ask RZA about reported battles during the Wu-Tang Clan studio sessions for next month's A Better Tomorrow. The Abbott revealed that in a particular moment with Inspectah Deck, both RZA and Rebel INS turned to their phone files to pull out some rhymes and verses... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Happened to Wu-Tang Clan’s Remix With Drake? The Wu Speaks (Video)

During the lead up to the release of Drake's Nothing Was the Same album, one of the things that had Head's most excited was the prospect of a collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan on Drake's song "Wu-Tang Forever." Despite confirmation from members of the Wu that the remix was official and... Read more

October 6, 2014 Video

Drake On VMA: Says He Won A Hip-Hop Award For A Non-Hip-Hop Song (Video)

Twenty-four hours after Common accepted Drake's 2014 MTV Video Music Award for "Best Hip-Hop Video," the Toronto superstar was able to properly receive his medal. The Young Money Cash Money superstar spoke while on tour with Lil Wayne in Boston, Massachusetts. Delivering fans the speech he was unable to in... Read more

August 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Do You Think About Common Accepting Drake’s VMA Award? (Video)

Hip-Hop beefs, after they've been squashed, always seem to have an interesting denouement. Following the jaw-dropping on-stage appearance between Jay Z and Nas in 2005 (and subsequent Sway Calloway MTV interview), the ultimate 2000s Rap rumble still has afterburners. Heads prodded at Nas, when as a Def Jam artists making... Read more

August 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beyonce’s Legacy Just Earned An Exclamation Point At The 2014 VMAs (Video)

Tonight's (August 24) live airing of the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards was met with some early, real-time criticism. Audio problems, comedic missteps from presenters, odd red carpet segments, and lackluster performances marred some of the show's social media impact. Then, Lorde won "Best Rock Video" for a song featuring... Read more

August 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

2 Chainz Remakes Michael Jackson’s Thriller Video for Freebase (Video)

On December 2, 1983, arguably one of the most recognized videos of all time was released in the form of the 13 minute music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It was MTV's first ever world premiere and it set a precedent for a future that would change the forefront for... Read more

July 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on the Status of His New Album & Music From Black Hippy (Video)

MTV caught up with Kendrick Lamar on the red carpet for The Amazing Spider Man 2 premiere. Kendrick spoke on the status of his new album, forthcoming music from Black Hippy and more. Check out the video. Related: SZA Offers Up The Dreamy & Thoughtful Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Babylon (Audio)... Read more

April 25, 2014 Video

Redman Invites MTV Back to His Crib and He’s “Beyonce’d” the Bathroom. Greatest Cribs Segment Ever? (Video)

As part of MTV's "RetroMania" week, they've returned to Redman's crib 13 years after the last visit. True to his nature on records, the Hit Squad/Def Squad MC was a simple dude: turntables, fish-sticks, a dollar box/cookie jar sort of bank. Even in the era of RIAA album plaques and... Read more

January 31, 2014 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 & Slaughterhouse Revive Rap City With A Backroom Freestyle + Interview (Video)

Although "Rap City" has been largely defunct in the Slaughterhouse-era, the Shady Records super-group is a call-back to the latter years of BET's flagship Hip-Hop program. Individually, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden, Crooked I were part of the Basement-era. Eminem was among Rap's biggest stars in the Big Tigger era... Read more

November 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

J. Cole Discusses The Evolution of His Career and The Genesis of Crooked Smile (Video)

Here's a truly inspirational video of J. Cole where he discusses how he has gotten to where he is today and the story behind Crooked Smile. Cole is candid and motivational in detailing his mission to make music to "touch the people." Related: DJ Khaled – Hell’s Kitchen ft J.... Read more

October 24, 2013 Video

Yo! MTV Raps Turns 25 (Documentary Video)

Although hip-hop might not be the first words that come to mind when thinking of MTV these days, this week 25 years ago the network premiered a show that not only made history, but was crucial in spreading the hip-hop movement all around the world. On August 6, 1988 MTV... Read more

August 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Recent Discussion With Eminem (Video)

A picture of TDE and Shady 2.0 in the studio surfaced a few weeks ago. Kendrick Lamar spoke about what it was like to really chop it up for the first time. They talked about 8 Mile, Kendrick's album, staying creative and more. Check out the video. Related: Schoolboy Q... Read more

June 24, 2013 Video

Schoolboy Q’s Version of MTV Cribs ft Black Hippy (Video)

Here's some comedy courtesy of TDE. Check out Schoolboy Q's version of MTV Cribs featuring Black Hippy. Related: Black Hippy vs. NWA--The Playlist (Video)... Read more

April 2, 2013 Video

Kendrick Lamar is Named the Hottest MC in the Game by MTV (Video)

Salute to Kendrick Lamar who took the #1 spot on MTV's Hottest MCs in the Game list for 2013. No matter what you think of the list, it's been a banner year for King Kendrick Lamar and it's great to see him recognized across the board. Check out the videos... Read more

March 8, 2013 Video

Nas is #4 on MTV’s Hottest MCs in the Game List (Video)

Heads were outraged about the MTV Hottest MCs in the Game list, earlier. I think most would agree that Nas certainly deserves a spot on the list, and he comes in at #4 (Rick Ross was #3). Check out the video. Related: Nastalgia - A Mix of Rare Music from... Read more

March 6, 2013 Video

50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Turns 10 Years Old (Video)

50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin' album was released 10 years ago today. Here's some vintage footage of Sway interviewing 50 about the album just before its release. Check out the video below. Related: 50 Cent – Major Distribution ft Snoop Dogg & Young Jeezy (Video)... Read more

February 6, 2013 Video

Pharrell Williams talks style with MTV (Video)

Pharrell talks fashion and philosophy with MTV. Check out the video. Related: T.I. – Hello ft Cee-Lo (Prod. The Neptunes)... Read more

January 10, 2013 Video

Ghostface Killah discusses a possible new Wu-Tang Clan album (Video)

RZA has made it clear he wants to do 1 last Wu album next November, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Enter the 36 Chambers. Now, Ghostface Killah share his thoughts on the potential project...It's looking like more and more of a reality. Check out the video. Related: Wu-Tang... Read more

November 2, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Macklemore speaks on debuting at #2 on the Billboard album chart (Video)

Salute to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on their album The Heist debuting at #2 on the Billboard chart with approximately 78,000 albums sold--totally on the independent tip. They are talented artists who make music with a message--an increasing rarity. We've been supporting them for a while. It's great to see... Read more

October 17, 2012 Video

Pusha T discusses his new album (Video)

Pusha T sat down with MTV to talk about his recording process, the meaning behind some of his new songs and what to expect on his upcoming album generally. Check out the video. Related: Kanye West & Pusha T - New God Flow... Read more

July 27, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Kendrick Lamar performs The Recipe on MTV’s Hip-Hop POV (Video)

Kendrick Lamar got his first look on MTV last night with a performance of The Recipe. Check out the video below. Related: Murs interviews Kendrick Lamar (Video)... Read more

May 3, 2012 Video

MTV’s 2012 Hottest MCs in the Game (Video)

MTV dropped its 7th annual installment of its hottest MCs in the game last night. They were: 1. Rick Ross, 2. Drake, 3. Kanye West, 4. Nicki Minaj, 5. Lil Wayne, 6. Jay-Z, 7. Meek Mill, 8. Big Sean, 9. Wiz Khalifa, 10. Wale. And by now, you probably already... Read more

February 20, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Common – When I Was 17 (Video) + DJ Drama Interview

Here are a couple of cool pieces on Common. First is his appearance on MTV's When I Was 17. Next, is an interview of him by DJ Drama where he talks about the motivation behind So Sweet, G.O.O.D. Music, his approach to his upcoming The Dreamer, The Believer album, rhyming... Read more

November 20, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

?uestlove breaks down the story behind The Roots upcoming Undun album (Video)

He discusses how the album is a concept album and why having the steady gig on The Jimmy Fallon show has given The Roots the security to fully pursue their artistic freedom. Given how much The Roots have already pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, this album should be extremely interesting. ... Read more

October 10, 2011 Video

?uestlove has long been one of the more fascinating personalities in hip-hop but has he always been like that?

Check out how he was when he was 17 from the latest episode of MTV's When I was 17.... Read more

May 1, 2011 Video