Video Archives

Lecrae Smashes The Five Fingers of Death MC Challenge with Style & Grace (Video)

When's the last time you heard a rapper smash the mic, without cursing? When's the last time you heard an MC body a Kirk Franklin track?? Lecrae is the latest artist to take on Sway's Five Fingers of Death challenge (flowing over 5 random beats) and he tore it down.... Read more

July 22, 2014 Video

Watch Common’s First Ever Live Performances From Nobody’s Smiling (Video)

Last night (7/21), Common held a release party at NYC's Gramercy Theatre for his new album, Nobody's Smiling. He treated an intimate but extremely hyped crowd to an energetic performance of many of the album's songs for the first time, as well as a run through many of his classics.... Read more

July 22, 2014 Video

Aaron McGruder’s Coming Back, But Not to the Boondock’s. Get Ready for Black Jesus (Video)

Leave it to Aaron McGruder to make his return to TV a project that makes The Boondocks look like a kiddie show. The creator of one of the most controversial comics ever is one-upping himself with his latest foray, Black Jesus. Just like it sounds, the series will focus on... Read more

July 18, 2014 Video

J. Dilla is Being Formally Recognized by The Smithsonian as the National Treasure He Is (Video)

Salute to J. Dilla. While Hip-Hop has long celebrated the late producer/MC as a treasure, he is now also being formally recognized as such on a national level by The Smithsonian Museum. Dilla's beat equipment will be put on display at the Smithsonian's new museum of African American History &... Read more

July 18, 2014 Video

Jeezy Speaks on His New Album, Jay Z, Freddie Gibbs & More (Video)

Young Jeezy gave an extended interview to Life + Times, as part of Elliott Wilson's The Truth series. Jeezy spoke at length about his upcoming Seen It All album, the deterioration of his relationship with Freddie Gibbs, working with YG and more. He also spoke to MTV about Jay Z... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

Puff Daddy & Ma$e Detail the Making of Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down (Video)

Even though the track liberally sampled Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" (and subsequently Ice Cube's remix of "Check Yo Self"), in 1997 there were few songs that got the party started like Puff Daddy's "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" featuring Ma$e. Complex has released a short documentary about the making of... Read more

July 17, 2014 Throwback

DJ Quik Performs a Brand New Song On Skee Live (Video)

DJ Quik made an appearance on Skee Live and performed a brand new song. The song is a departure from his G-Funk roots and features a prominent rock guitar. Quik performed the high energy cut with a full band. Check out "That Ni**az Crazy." What do you think of this... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

Drake + Blake Griffin + Chris Brown = 1 Hilarious Skit

Drake hosted the ESPY's and, as part of the gig, participated in some highly entertaining skits. One of the standouts involved him and Blake Griffin in a bitter back and forth where each vied to sabotage the other. The best part? Chris Brown makes a dark and extremely well-executed cameo.... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

GQ Represents 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army in The Backroom (Video)

GQ, the Oakland MC and member of 9th Wonder's Jamla Army, is the latest to drop a verse in The Backroom. With 9th on the wheels, GQ steps up and blesses the blue mic. Check it out. Related: GQ Gets A Star-Studded Record With Nipsey Hussle & A Rapper Big... Read more

July 16, 2014 Video

Devin the Dude Hosts Bun B as the First Guest on His New Talk Show (Video)

Taking a page from Snoop's GGN, Devin the Dude has launched his own talk show. His first guest is none other than Bun B. The two chop it up about the origins of UGK (originally 4 members with a different name), Bun's relationship with Drake, Bun's early days of recording... Read more

July 16, 2014 Video

It’s Hard to Stay Calm When You Read This Lyrical Explosion from Busta Rhymes & Eminem (Lyric Video)

Two weeks ago, Busta Rhymes and Eminem unleashed a bombastic lyrical attack. Titled "Calm Down," with its chopped "Jump Around" sample and lyrical gymnastics from Busta and Em, the song is anything but soothing. But, if you want some good old-fashioned, smash-mouth Rap, this is it. The lyric video helps... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

How Does Kanye West Avoid Snapping on Fans? Watch and Learn (Video)

So, it turns out Kim Kardashian was not Kanye West's entry point into the world of reality TV. TMZ has unearthed some old footage from a Kanye reality show that never made the air. Though the clip is only a couple of minutes long, it shows Kanye giving a hilarious... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

MC Eiht & Outlawz Shut Em Down, West Coast Style (Video)

After collaborating with Snoop last month, MC Eiht lends the assist to Outlawz on "Shut Em Down." Though the song bears the same title as Public Enemy's 1991 classic, the similarities stop there. This is a straight West Coast thang. Check out the video. Related: Two Former Death Row Factions... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Here’s the Full Video of Jay Electronica & Jay Z Performing at The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

Some early footage surfaced yesterday of a snippet of Jay Electronica and Jay Z performing together at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Now, here's the full video, which includes Jay Z doing his own version of Big Daddy Kane's "Young, Gifted & Black" as well as the full performance of the... Read more

July 13, 2014 Video

Elzhi Drops a Hot Verse in The Backroom. Prepare to Press Rewind (Video)

For more than a decade, in a storied Hip-Hop and 'dolo, Elzhi has been a lyrical force to be reckoned with. Almost exclusively an independent artist, the Detroit, Michigan MC was a welcomed guest to "106 & Park's" Backroom for a freestyle. Kicking those verbal smart-bombs that Elz' has been... Read more

July 13, 2014 Video

Jay Electronica & Jay Z Perform We Made It Together For the First Time at Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary today in style. In addition to having Raekwon as the headliner, Jay Electronica made a rare appearance, and he brought friends. Mac Miller and J. Cole joined him, and then Jay Z took the stage with Jay E for their first ever... Read more

July 12, 2014 Video

Here’s a Video Playlist of Some of the Hip-Hop & Soul Classics Touched by Bob Power (Video)

Here's a video playlist inspired by a recent interview with Bob Power, the legendary producer/engineer, who for more than 30 years has worked with some of Hip-Hop and Soul's most iconic acts. You'll see videos from A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, De La Soul, Me'shell Ndegeocello, The Roots,... Read more

July 11, 2014 Throwback

Talib Kweli Flexes a New Flow and Sound on What’s Real (Video)

It's refreshing to see veteran MCs like Talib Kweli continually evolving. After more than 15 years in the game, the revered MC flexes a new flow over a Dub Step-influenced track that is a new sound for him on "What's Real," featuring Res. Check out the video for the song... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

Don Cheadle Gives an In-Depth Breakdown About His Film on Miles Davis and the Soundtrack (Video)

Who better to play Miles Davis than Don Cheadle? Aside from their obvious physical similarities, Cheadle shares the same quiet intensity and brooding energy that made Davis one of the most enigmatic and coolest cats ever to grace the stage. Cheadle spoke about the upcoming biopic Miles Ahead, his feature-length... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

Here’s an Amazing Stripped Down Concert Session From The Foreign Exchange (Video)

Though Phonte was introduced to the world as part of the iconic underground group Little Brother, 2014 marks his 10th year as a part of The Foreign Exchange, which also includes Nicolay and now Zo! The Foreign Exchange trio gave an amazing stripped down performance of "On A Day Like... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

You Will Not Look at Puppets the Same After Seeing Jazmine Sullivan’s Visuals for Dumb (Video)

After returning with "Dumb," another power anthem for women who have been wronged, Jazmine Sullivan follows up with the video. The visuals employ puppets in all sorts of compromising positions, providing comic relief but also reinforcing the message that there are a lot of dummies out there...literally. Check it out.... Read more

July 8, 2014 Throwback

Ja Rule Claims He Beat Down 50 Cent When They Fought Years Ago (Video)

During a recent stop at NYC's Hot 97 in promotion of his new book, "Unruly," Ja Rule spoke about a physical altercation he and 50 Cent had years ago. He claims that, contrary to statements made by 50 Cent at the time, he actually beat 50 down and told him... Read more

July 7, 2014 Video

Salute to Spike Lee for 25 Years of Do The Right Thing (Video)

Last week (6/30) marked the 25th anniversary of Spike Lee's landmark film, Do The Right Thing. Here's a look at the Brooklyn filmmaker discussing the film and its impact, 25 years later, with the Huffington Post's Marc Lamont Hill. When the film was released in 1989, film critic Roger Ebert... Read more

July 7, 2014 Throwback

This Week Brought Visuals From Redman, Souls of Mischief, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000 & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music videos from Redman, Souls of Michief & Snoop, Ras Kass, Blu and The-Dream; a look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix; freestyles from Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun); interviews with Joe Budden discussing Battle Rap and Big K.R.I.T. & Common... Read more

July 6, 2014 Playlists, Video

20+ Years Later, Redman is Still Dropping Bombs. Brick City Stand Up (Video)

Think Redman has lost a step after more than 20 years in the game? Don't bet on it. Brick City's finest releases a new video for his latest release, which is packed with enough double entendres to make your head spin (or at least press rewind a few times). Check... Read more

July 5, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Speaks About His Upcoming Album Cadillactica and More (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. ended his Week of KRIT in March, when he dropped 6 new songs in as many days, with an announcement for a new album titled Cadillactica. He recently sat down in Seattle and discussed the album in detail, including the title, the sound, working with other producers and... Read more

July 5, 2014 Video

Here’s a Look at the First Trailer for Andre 3000’s Turn as Jimi Hendrix (Video)

All is By My Side, the film featuring Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix, hits theaters on 9/26. Here's a look at the first official trailer for the film. Check out the video. Related: How Will Andre 3000 Fare as Jimi Hendrix? Watch This 1st Look and Weigh In (Video)... Read more

July 3, 2014 Video

T-Pain Documents a Complex Relationship on Love Suicide (Video)

Despite Jay Z's infamous declaration in 2009, T-Pain is back with a vengeance, autotune and all. After getting the party started with "Up Down," he returns with a signature song about complex relationships. Check out the video for "Love Suicide." Related: You heard the “G-Mix” for Wiz Khalifa’s Black &... Read more

July 3, 2014 Video

Is Joe Budden Risking His Career by Battling Hollow Da Don? (Video)

On July 12, Joe Budden will step out of the booth and into battle with Hollow Da Don. Though Budden is undoubtedly one of the more skilled MCs in the game, is he risking his career with this battle? Just as great ballers (MJ, Kobe, LeBron) eventually stop participating in... Read more

July 3, 2014 Video

Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun) Goes 0 to 100 on a Tony Touch Freestyle (Video)

Chris Rivers got his shot at a Toca Tuesday Freestyle, and Tony Touch hit him with the 0 to 100 track. Baby Pun got busy, flexing his flow that is oh so reminiscent of his Pops. Check out the video. Related: Styles P & Chris Rivers Have Trust Issues, But... Read more

July 2, 2014 Video

Questlove & Black Thought Discuss Their Illustrious History & Kick a Freestyle (Video)

Here's an extended interview with The Roots' Questlove & Black Thought. The duo discusses their creative process, performing with Dave Chappelle, fellow music alums from their high school (Bilal, Boyz II Men) and more. They end the session with a freestyle with Thought supplying the off the top rhymes and... Read more

June 28, 2014 Video

Don Cheadle Speaks with Miles Davis’ Family About Portraying the Trumpeter (Video)

Don Cheadle is preparing for what could be his role of a lifetime. The quietly intense thespian will be portraying Miles Davis in the biopic, Miles Ahead. He met with some members of Davis' family to discuss Miles and they described why they thought Cheadle was the perfect fit to... Read more

June 27, 2014 Video

Odd Future’s The Internet are Bringing Back Neosoul One Amazing Groove at a Time (Video)

Though artists like Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt are among the higher profile members of the Odd Future collective, soul band, The Internet, are quickly making a name for themselves. They're live instrumentation harkens back to the musical lushness of the Neosoul era. Check out their new... Read more

June 27, 2014 Video

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

Here’s a Side of Kanye West You May Have Never Seen…and It Might Just Be the Most Authentic (Video)

Kanye West is celebrated for fashion, art, braggadocio, rants, Kim and, most importantly, music. What is often overlooked, and possibly the thread through each of these elements, is his formidable intelligence. Kanye recently sat on a panel at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity with Steve Stoute (Tanning of America,... Read more

June 24, 2014 Video

Buckshot, P-Money & T’Nah Apex Remind That Hip-Hop is a Living Spectrum…and It’s the Sweetest Thing (Video)

There's a lot of chatter about which era is better in Hip-Hop. Truth is, Hip-Hop is and always will be a living, breathing spectrum of the music that is made, one day at a time. There was great Hip-Hop in the 90's. There was TERRIBLE Hip-Hop then too. There is... Read more

June 24, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Growth as an Artist and a Person (Video)

Kendrick Lamar celebrated his 27th birthday last week. As part of a recent interview with Devi Dev, he discussed his growth both as an artist and a person since Hip-Hop took the good kid out of the mad city and into the world. He also discussed the new album, the... Read more

June 23, 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

Think Kevin Hart is Funny? Ice Cube Doesn’t. Here’s Why (Video)

Last week, both Ice Cube and Kevin Hart made appearances on Conan. While the 2 may not agree on much, they do share 1 belief: Ice Cube does not think Kevin Hart is funny. Here's a look at each breaking down how and why Cube gives Hart the mean face... Read more

June 22, 2014 Video

Ab-Soul Explains the Religious Imagery of Stigmata and More (Video)

Ab-Soul recently had a fireside chat with Complex's Insanul Ahmed. Though the clip is only 7 minutes, Soulo covers a lot of ground. He discusses the thinking behind the religious imagery on his forthcoming album, These Days, not being signed to Interscope, his love for Jay-Z and Nas, the mythical... Read more

June 20, 2014 Video

Common & Hype Williams Release a Visually Stunning Short Film for Kingdom (Video)

With its swelling Gospel chorus and Common's piercing lyrics about the plight facing his hometown of Chicago, it's hard to imagine his song "Kingdom" could be any more powerful. However, when you combine that penetrating soundtrack with the visuals of Hype Williams, the song soars to a new level. Williams... Read more

June 18, 2014 Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff Recounts His Surprise Performance with The Fresh Prince on Graham Norton (Video)

Remember the surprise performance by DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Fresh Prince, Jaden Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro on The Graham Norton Show last year? Jeff breaks down the story of how it all came to pass in the latest episode of Vinyl Destination. It was not an easy trip...Check out the... Read more

June 18, 2014 Video

Ep. 2 of The Message Documentary Covers East vs. West Beef, The Rise of The South & More (Full Video)

Part 2 of The Message, BET's 4-part documentary chronicling the history of Hip-Hop, covers the Bad Boy vs. Death Row beef, the rise of Southern Hip-Hop, the "bling" era, the attempted censorship of Rap music and more. The episode features commentary from Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The... Read more

June 17, 2014 Video

Get Ready. Chris Rock is Spreading the Black Plague…(Video)

Dave Chappelle is not the only comedic giant returning to stand up this year. Fresh off his announcement as host of the BET Awards, Chris Rock sat down with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show and told Fallon he is going on tour. Rock revealed the name is "The Black... Read more

June 17, 2014 Video

T.I. Gives a Taste of Brazil That is Far From Mediocre in His Latest Visual (Video)

T.I. conducted a listening party in NYC earlier tonight at the School of Visual Arts. He had a spirited and engaging conversation with Lil Duval. As part of the talk, he told the story behind the video for No Mediocre, his collaboration with Iggy Azalea. He explained that, despite the... Read more

June 17, 2014 Video

AFH Salutes the Father’s of Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

In celebration of Father's Day, we salute some of the Fathers of Hip-Hop. Here's a video playlist with some key moments in time from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Afrika Bambaataa, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Kurtis Blow and more. Check it out. Related: Episode 1... Read more

June 15, 2014 Throwback

Ice Cube, Nas, Snoop & More Speak on the History of N.W.A. (Video)

Who better to speak on the historical impact of N.W.A. than Ice Cube? As part of their ongoing Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, BET sat down with the West Coast legend for an extended conversation about the origins of his group. Others like Nas & Snoop also weighed in with their... Read more

June 11, 2014 Throwback

Episode 1 of The Message Documentary Speaks on Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., LL Coo J & Much More (Full Video)

Episode 1 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers roughly the first decade of Hip-Hop. It addresses pioneers like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Cold Crush Brothers and more. It also features several luminaries including Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier,... Read more

June 11, 2014 Throwback

Think Drake Takes Himself Too Seriously? Think Again. Here’s Some Sound Advice for Him (Video)

Though Drake's music career has taken a front seat to his acting, he's proven on SNL and other vehicles that he still has his thespian chops. In particular, he's flexed his comedic abilities, never being afraid to take shots at himself, or at least the perceptions about him. In Sound... Read more

June 11, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Confirms New Album; Talks Investment Strategies (Video)

Kendrick Lamar spoke with Revolt about a number of topics, including his new album (Dre is working on it), comments about him from Troy Ave and Lupe Fiasco, the good Dr. Dre's Apple/Beats transaction and more. In one of the most interesting exchanges, he discusses his investment strategies as he... Read more

June 10, 2014 Video