Special Interest Archives

M.O.P. & Chris Rivers Remake A Hardcore Big Pun Album Cut (Audio)

Back in 2000, just months after Big Pun's death, his gold-certified sophomore LP, Yeeeah Baby released. Within the LP, there was an album cut, "New York Giants." This track, co-produced by Bronx, New York producer/MC Minnesota (Mos Def, Diamond D, Money Boss Players), featured Pun's Loud Records label-mates, M.O.P. Although... Read more

November 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Giveaway: Gang Starr’s Daily Operation Vinyl LP (Respect The Classics Reissue)

AFH is proud to offer one of our Heads a vinyl LP copy of Gang Starr's Daily Operation. Reissued as part of UMe's "Respect The Classics" series, the 2014 version includes a 3D cover of the artwork prominently featuring the late Guru, DJ Premier, and a symbolic portrait of Malcolm... Read more

November 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Juvenile Fits 2014’s YMCMB Sound & He Says Some Real Things Alongside Drake’s Chorus (Audio)

Juvenile is Cash Money for the second time in his career, after a lot of on-again, off-again status with his former label, as well as his (still estranged) producer, Mannie Fresh. Back in the paperwork, Juvy made his debut on "Sho Me Love." With a very simple, straightforward Drake chorus,... Read more

November 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Honors Veterans Day & Those Who Served In A Spoken Word Piece (Video)

Recently, Common performed "This War We Fight" at The White House, in honor of Veteran's Day and those who served in the United States Armed Forces. On the day of remembrance (November 11), Comm' releases the video of him delivering the rhyming, Spoken Word poem. Looking out the window in... Read more

November 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah To Drop A Hardcore Hip-Hop Album Really Soon, Unearths First Single (Audio)

This will have the Wu-Tang Clan controversy Heads abuzz... One week after W.T.C. is plotting A Better Tomorrow, Ghostface Killah will release 36 Seasons (December 9). What's more is that this LP teams Ghost with fellow New York City rhyme-monsters such as Kool G Rap, AZ, and Pharoahe Monch. Perhaps... Read more

November 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rest In Peace To Sugarhill Gang’s Big Bank Hank

Henry Jackson, better known as Big Bank Hank of Rap pioneering group The Sugarhill Gang has died today (November 11). TMZ.com has reported that Hank's band-mates, Wonder Mike and Master Gee confirmed the news to the publication. Reports state that Hank died from complications of cancer, though details are limited.... Read more

November 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain Made A 1988 Tape Featuring Songs By James Brown & Jackson 5 (Audio)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. The Seattle, Washington native is remembered as a prodigious musician, songwriter, and an integral part of the Grunge movement through his band, Nirvana. That band has become a favorite musical touchstone of everybody from Kanye West to Dr. Dre, who... Read more

November 8, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Following Raekwon, Inspectah Deck Makes A Heartfelt Soul-Inspired Tape (Mixtape)

After Raekwon eloquently concluded his "TBT" R&B/Soul/Pop tribute series with a mixtape, We Wanna Thank You, another Wu-Tang Clan member is paying homage to the soulful songs of yesteryear. Inspectah Deck made Cynthia's Son, a mixtape reworking, sampling, and tapping into songs favored by the Bronx, New York MC's late... Read more

November 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Pete Rock Takes A New DJ Residency In New York City, Spinning Rare Grooves

Sometimes Hip-Hop lives all around us... Today (November 6), Pete Rock announced his DJ residency in New York City. This brings the iconic producer/DJ to live audiences monthly, a true reminder of legends working all around us. Moreover, Soul Brother #1 is bringing some of his own inspirations with him.... Read more

November 6, 2014 Fresh

Action Bronson Trots The Globe For Episode 6 Of His Food Series (Video)

Shrimp in Venice, some cleverly-marinated grilled beef and lamb shoulder in Copenhagen, hot dog stands, and pot roast nachos. Action Bronson is living the life of his dreams, and he admits as much in episode 6 of "F*ck, That's Delicious." Along the way, Bam Bam admits that one particular delicacy... Read more

November 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Freddie Gibbs Reportedly Targeted In Shooting Following Concert, 2 Shot

In a year that's seen both Made Men's Benzino and former Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight shot (both survived), Gary, Indiana's Freddie Gibbs very nearly joined the ranks. The New York Post is reporting that the MC was targeted following his Brooklyn, New York concert at record store Rough... Read more

November 4, 2014 Fresh

Joe Budden Looks Into The Camera To Let One Of His Exes Know It’s Real (Video)

Following the release of "Ordinary Love Shit, Part 4 (Keep Running)," Joe Budden lets you know it's real, with the video. From a perhaps metaphoric cell, Joe looks the camera in the lens and tells it as it is, to him. This is masterful relationship rap from one of the... Read more

November 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels Crashes The Party On Until The Ribbon Breaks’ New One (Video)

'Cause Heads can't get enough... Beginning with 2013's self-titled album, Until The Ribbon Breaks worked with Run The Jewels ("Job Well Done"). Now, just following the last 10 days' bum-rush of RTJ2, Killer Mike and El-P return the favor, and collide with the British Electronic band for their single, "Revolution... Read more

November 3, 2014 Video

Killer Mike Does Bad Things To Snoh’s Dark, Twisted Single (Audio)

Killer Mike is on a tear this month. After RTJ2 released to dominate the Rap consciousness into the month of November, Mike Bigga has appeared on two new songs in the last 24 hours. After working with previous RTJ collaborators, Until The Ribbon Breaks, Killer Kill sets his sights on... Read more

November 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Was We Are the World the Downfall of Purple Rain? Read This and You Decide.

In the midst of the 30th anniversary of Prince's iconic Purple Rain album, much has been written and said. For Heads who weren't paying close attention to the media following the hit-packed album, or don't recall various award show moments, a lot can be lost. Alan Light is among the... Read more

October 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Claims King Of The South & Says He Bested “Your Favorite Rapper” Too (Audio)

Guaranteed, you've never heard Big K.R.I.T. this confident, this unleashed... Track 7 from Cadillactica (November 11), "King Of The South" is a bold statement. With an in-your-face beat, Krizzle matches with a verse. The song talks the Meridian Mississippi's "country" upbringing, and his current urban lifestyle. He paints himself as... Read more

October 31, 2014 Audio, Fresh

For Devil’s Night, Get A Mix Of Esham, Brotha Lynch Hung, Tim Dog & More (Mixtape)

In many places, the night before Halloween means mischief, juvenile terror, and at the very least, smashed pumpkins (not of the Billy Corgan variety either). Instead of reeking havoc on your neighbors, or keeping an eye on your jack'o lanterns, why not just vibe out with some raps that are... Read more

October 30, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Rochelle Jordan Entered A Contest To Record With Timbaland. The Results BUMP (Audio)

Microsoft and Lenovo recently partnered for "Team Up With Timbaland," a contest that allowed regular folk to potentially work with the Virginia native super-producer/artist, and join the likes of Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, and Aaliyah. One such Top 5 finalist, Rochelle Jordan, proved that she's anything but ordinary. "So Good"... Read more

October 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Turns An Open Letter Protesting Police Violence Into Song (Audio)

In the wake of ongoing deaths of Black men at the hands of police in America, J-Live has something to say. The Brooklyn, New York native wrote down his thoughts in an essay called "I Am A Man (American Justice)," focusing on the hypocrisy in the discourse around this issue,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Juvenile Backs That Thing Up, And Returns To Cash Money Records (Video)

Less than one year after he was reported to have signed with J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot Records, it appears that Juvenile may be back in business with Cash Money Records. MTV News received an exclusive with the multi-platinum star when asking him about his relationship with the former (now present) label.... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Snoop Dogg & DJ Premier Recall Making The Final Gang Starr Song, An MC Eiht Battle (Video)

Snoop Dogg's GGN interview series is reaching that whole other level. Tha Doggfather welcomes DJ Premier to the guest seat. Snoop and Premo, who have worked together a number of times, still find a way to unearth some really grabbing stuff here. Going back to the final Gang Starr album,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Reacts To His Third-Great Grandmother’s Bill Of Sale Into Slavery (Video)

As part of PBS' "Enslaved Roots" series, the camera turns its lens on Nas. The Queens superstar traces his DNA back to a Virginia slave plantation. Throughout his career, Nas has paid close attention to his ancestry, and African bloodline. The continent is a place that the iconic MC has... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Wu-Tang Clan Has A History Of Iconic Artwork. How’s A Better Tomorrow Stack Up?

Wu-Tang Clan's album artwork, collectively and as individually artists, has been that of pop culture. Re-popularized on t-shirts, posters, and the like, the images of the New York Rap collective are as timeless as the verses from RZA and the family. It's been revealed that W.T.C's sixth album, A Better... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh

Hear the Original Demo for Kanye West’s New Slaves (Audio)

Kanye West's ears have always been far-reaching. For Yeezus, that is an understatement. In making the album, and it's standout "New Slaves," 'Ye looked within his own circle. Benjamin Bronfman, son of former Warner Bros. Records CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr., has been a longtime friend of Mr. West. According to... Read more

October 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Universal Zulu Nation’s 41st Anniversary Is In November & Your Favorite Artists Are Involved…

On November 6-9, New York City will play host to the Universal Zulu Nation's 41st anniversary. Over the course of seven planned events (with possibly more coming), those involved include Afrika Bambaataa, Black Moon, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Sadat X, Da Beatminerz, Psycho Les, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kool... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

DJ Premier Unleashes A Gang Starr Tape Of B-Sides, Rarities & Remixes (Mixtape)

Today (October 24), DJ Premier opened up the online Gang Starr merchandise store through his PremierWuzHere website. With an assortment of shirts, hats, hoodies, and more—exclusively set up by the Texan-turned-New Yorker, sharing its proceeds with the family of late partner Guru, Preem got behind the wheels of steel to... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

October 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

If You Love When Ras Kass Challenges Organized Religion, Check This (Audio)

Ras Kass has challenged organized religion since Soul On Ice. The voracious reader proves that he's up on the sacred texts on "How To Kill God." For an MC once criticized for never getting great beats on his albums, Apollo Brown supplies this Blasphemy banger with an undeniable beat that... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Go Home With Logic & Meet His Family, Who Collectively Give You The REAL (Video)

Not only is Logic (and Visionary Music Group) giving Heads his Under Pressure album for full stream on its release day (October 21), the Gaithersburg, Maryland MC brings Heads home. The Baltimore reppin' Def Jam artist brought MTV's cameras to his childhood livingroom, where Logic's father and caretaker (along with... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mac Miller Inks A Deal With Warner Bros. For 8 Figures & Drops Off A Loosie (Audio)

After a January, 2014 amicable-but-high profile exit from the Rostrum Records team that helped bring him to stardom, Mac Miller has officially made his next move. The Most Dope front man has headed to Warner Bros. Records, according to The Fader. The report states that the deal, including housing M.M.'s... Read more

October 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ice Cube Has Some Furrowed Brow Follow-Up Fun On Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

After Ice Cube's summertime segment for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," why not re-up with some more? With Don Mega and Dr. Dre co-producing the N.W.A biopic, Straight Outta Compton, Cube stopped by, to throw his spin on some festive, particularly corny lines, delivered in an O'Shea Jackson kind of way: Related:... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Tek & Steele Recall Street Origins Smif-n-Wessun, Decepticon Ties, Making Dah Shinin’ (Audio)

Within the Boot Camp Clik, it often feels like Smif-n-Wessun are massively under-sung. Whether it was the fact that General Steele and Tek followed Black Moon's Enta Da Stage with Dah Shinin' (before Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C., and the Clik compilations), or the unfortunate forced name-change (to Cocoa Brovas) and subsequent... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Andre 3000 & Tink Collaboration? Timbaland Gives You 15 Seconds (Video)

A 15-second preview of a yet-untitled, little-known-about song as news. You can count the artists on one hand whose work would justify that as "News." Certainly, 20-year veteran Andre 3000 is one of the few, the proud. Timbaland previews (via Facebook video, no less) a fourth of a minute of... Read more

October 20, 2014 Fresh

Joe Budden Is A Master Of Ex-Rap, His Latest 5-Minute Journal Entry Proves It (Audio)

Longtime Joe Budden fans know that the Jersey City, New Jersey veteran has built a career off of breaking the fourth wall in his raps. From addiction to self-doubt, his paranoia and most open thoughts on Hip-Hop, Joe never holds back. And those who've been listening to the verses long... Read more

October 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Do Remember: O.C.’s “Born 2 Live” (Video)

Twenty years ago today (October 18), O.C. released his debut album, Word...Life. On the now-defunct-but-legendary Wild Pitch Records, the Organized Konfusion affiliate (who would later become an integral part of Diggin' In The Crates) made his debut featuring involvement from emerging producer Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Poetry... Read more

October 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Lil Dicky Hits The Backroom With One Of The Smoothest, Fastest, Most Confident Raps Out (Video)

Out of thin air, Philadelphia's Lil Dicky swings through the "106 & Park" Backroom booth where he simply shakes apart the walls with a fast, highly-confident freestyle that is both original and humorous. Like his "No, I will not fix your computer shirt," L.D. (Larry David, as he explains) uses... Read more

October 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pulp Fiction, Still Cool, Compelling & Game-Changing 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Twenty years ago today (October 14), the Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction opened in theaters. The film starring a Hollywood re-tread (John Travolta), a character actor (Samuel L. Jackson), and a relative unknown (Umma Thurman), as well as a host of other actors, would go on to become an icon... Read more

October 14, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Dr. Cornel West Arrested At Ferguson Protests On Moral Monday (Video)

Several years ago, Dr. Cornel West of Princeton University opted to make a Rap album. The Ivy League professor, author, and social activist made 2007's Never Forget: A Journey Of My Revelations, an effort to featured Andre 3000, KRS-One, Black Thought, and Killer Mike, among many others. Today (October 13),... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cuttin’ & Scratchin’ With Cassette Tapes? Here’s How… (Video)

One of the best things about vinyl in the pre-Serato age is that it can be maneuvered. Whether you're of Rob Swift or Roc Raida (R.I.P) skill, or your a bedroom DJ looking to learn how to make your first zigga-zigga's, vinyl is hands-on and tempting to any technician. In... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pen & Pixel: See The Illustrators That Changed The Face Of Southern Rap In The ’90s (Video)

In the 1990s, if you were a Southern Rap Head, chances are, you bought an album with artwork designed by Pen & Pixel. From No Limit to Cash Money, Suave House to Priority Records, this team of digital artists executed the grandiose visions of the artists looking to make their... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Want To Feel Some 1970s New York City Seediness? Hit The Terminal Bar (Video)

Whether you're listening to Ultramagnetic MC's, Mr. MFE, or Beastie Boys, MCs love "that old New York," but should they really? Released more than a year ago, this 20+ minute documentary on one of the grimiest Midtown Manhattan bars flexes some realness on just how "do or die" Times Square... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: A Great Day In Harlem (Hip-Hop Version, 1998)

This week, the esteemed veteran music and culture journalist Michael A. Gonzalez penned a piece for Red Bull Music Academy about September 29, 1998. The day, deemed by XXL magazine "The Greatest Day In Hip-Hop History," was built around a tribute to Art Kane's 1958 photograph, "A Great Day In... Read more

October 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rah Digga Pumps Her Fist At The Establishment Like Angela Davis (Audio)

Rah Digga is not playing any games in 2014. The latest microphone seizure comes as "Angela Davis." Over a sparse guitar loop, a la Just Blaze x Jay Z in the Roc-A-Fella pinnacle, Digga is cold as can be. She compares herself to the political and Civil Rights activist Angela... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Tech N9ne Reveals Jay Rock Is Strictly TDE, Says His 1993 Material Deserved Guinness Records (Video)

Jay Rock famously signed with Tech N9ne and Strange Music to release his debut, Follow Me Home. The LP's single, "Hood Gone Love It" was an early mainstream introduction Kendrick Lamar. After reports that that Jay Rock, like Ab-Soul, would be going completely TDE, Tech N9ne confirms them. Saying that... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Lil’ Kim Clarifies Biggie Smalls Writing Her Verses, Wants Credit From Beyonce (Video)

With her new mixtape, Hard Core 2K14 starting some talk and grabbing lots of listens, Lil' Kim has plenty to speak about. The highly-acclaimed female MC soloist, the Notorious K.I.M took her saved seat at The Breakfast Club. There, Kim took the hard questions, and handled them all. In the... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

No Matter How Much You Know About Biggie, You Will Learn Something From This Discussion (Video)

As a part of last week's 20th anniversary coverage of The Notorious B.I.G's Ready To Die album, NPR "Microphone Check" assembled a panel in Brooklyn. Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley were joined by dream hampton (author, The Source), Matty C. (The Source, A&R), Biggie... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Remember The Knicks’ John Starks? He’s Got A Story To Tell About Biggie Smalls (Video)

From 1990 to 1998, John Starks was a rugged Shooting Guard for the New York Knicks. The same year Starks earned an All-Star nod amidst a New York Knicks push to the top of the Eastern Conference, The Notorious B.I.G released his debut, Ready To Die. By the time Biggie... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Animated Video of an Interview of Michael Jackson from 1980 (Video)

Michael Jackson is the latest subject of PBS Digital Studios' Blank On Blank animation series. This 1980 recording from a MJ interview highlights his waving off genre labels, admitting that his on-stage dancing is improvisational, and working with Quincy Jones. There's a lot to love about this...including the fact that... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

How About A One-Hour DJ Premier Mix Featuring AC/DC, Heart, Rage Against The Machine? (Audio)

Heads who do the research know that, while DJ Premier's sound has been at the epicenter of Hip-Hop for 25 years, Christopher Martin is a Rock & Roll Head to the fullest. With his older sisters sliding him wax of groups like Van Halen, AC/DC, and the Bay City Rollers,... Read more

September 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bishop Nehru Says Nas’ “I Can” Is Real, Makes A Case For Abstinence (Video)

Like his big brother MF DOOM, Bishop Nehru is a bit mysterious, if not misunderstood. The Rockland County New Yorker begins an interview with HOT 97's Ebro In The Morning show breaking down his neighborhood, between Hip-Hop's absence, to the misnomer about his being from Brooklyn. Midway through is where... Read more

September 15, 2014 Fresh, Video