Video Archives

Ep 2 of The Message Documentary Covers The East/West Coast Beef, The Rise of Southern Hip-Hop, Censorship & More (Video)

Episode 2 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers the turbulent times in the 90's including the East Coast/West Coast feuds, misogyny in lyrics, corporate attacks on Rap music and more. It also details the rise of Southern Hip-Hop. Guests include Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The Game,... Read more

June 6, 2014 Video

AFH Celebrates 30 Years of Beat Street (Video Playlist)

30 years ago, on June 6, 1984, Orion Pictures released the seminal film, Beat Street. While there had been other movies about Hip-Hop culture (including Wild Style, Style Wars and Breakin'), because Beat Street was backed by a major distribution company and came at the near peak of mainstream recognition... Read more

June 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

Devin the Dude Makes a New Video About One of His Favorite Pastimes (Video)

Over his 2+ decade career, Devin the Dude has been unabashed about his love for the medicinal. His latest video continues the longstanding theme. Check out I'm Just Gettin' Blowed. Related: Here’s Some Soulful New Goodness From Devin the Dude to Get You Lifted (Video)... Read more

June 4, 2014 Video

50 Cent – Animal Ambition: The Videos (Video Playlist)

Update: 50 Cent has now released the video for the Animal Ambition title track. The playlist has been updated and you can now watch the videos for the entire album, in full. 50 Cent has quietly put together one of the most strategic and aggressive marketing campaigns in recent memory.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

The Message: The Complete Story of the Evolution of Hip-Hop (Video)

Next week (6/4 at 10pm EST), BET is premiering part 1 of a 4 part documentary on the evolution of Hip-Hop. The film will cover all 40+ years of the Hip-Hop era and will examine how it spread across the country, region-by-region. Participants include Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Kendrick... Read more

May 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Ab-Soul Bears His Cross in Stigmata (Video)

In 1999, Nas released what, at the time, was an extremely controversial video for his song "Hate Me Now." The video depicted Nas being crucified and the airing of a version also featuring Puff Daddy on the cross led to the infamous Champagne bottle altercation between Diddy and Steve Stoute.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Video

Watch Big L & Big Pun in a Never Before Released Cypher (Video)

Yesterday (5/30) would have been Big L's 40th birthday. To celebrate the fallen MC's life and legacy, Complex premiered never before released footage of Big L in the studio dropping a verse AND a previously unreleased cypher that included L, Charlie Hustle and Big Pun. Check out both videos below.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Throwback

Brother Ali Goes On The Attack In A Freestyle. But Who’s The Target? (Video)

Brother Ali kicked a dope a capella verse on the Sway in the Morning show as part of a sound check. What seemed like a casual rhyme at first turned into a blistering story about an MC who made it based on lies and biting. The target could be an... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Murs & Mayday Take a Stand Against the American Prison System in Serge’s Song (Video)

Mayday & Murs make a strong statement against the American prison system in Serge's song. The song depicts a conversation between 2 friends, one free and one behind bars. The video shows Murs and Mayday re-enacting the phone call but bookends the visuals with powerful facts about how many more... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Miguel Reflects on the Simple Things in His Stylish New Visuals (Video)

Miguel has never been one to be put in a box, musically. Whether it's vibing with DJ Premier or conjuring Prince, he's created a very diverse sonic spectrum for himself. His latest, Simple Things from the Girls soundtrack, is a meditative guitar-driven song where he recounts the desire to enjoy... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Resurfaces for a Performance of Babylon with SZA (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been quiet lately. The TDE MC who largely owned 2013 has been holed up in the lab preparing to control 2014...He recently resurfaced, however, in support of his TDE label mate, SZA. Check out the video of their performance of Babylon from her album. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

May 29, 2014 Throwback

50 Cent is a Man of Many Talents. Baseball is NOT One of Them…Worst Pitch Ever? (Video)

50 Cent has been on a tear lately. Over the last couple of months, he's released some of his best music in nearly a decade with the lead up to Animal Ambition and he has provided some incredibly entertaining interviews about G-Unit, why he split with Interscope and more. Recently,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Jadakiss & Rocko Join Styles P in the Video for Sour (Video)

Styles P releases the latest video from his Phantom and the Ghost album. Check out Sour featuring Jadakiss and Rocko. Related: Styles P and Chris Rivers Get Gritty In The New York City Streets (Video)... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Jim-E-O Weaves a Tale of Redemption in Word on the Street (Video)

Here's a refreshing take from Jim-E-O, an artist we spotlighted a couple of years ago. In a genre dominated by (often fake) talk from suburban rappers about hustling on the corner, Jim-E-O talks about cleaning up his act and becoming a better man. That's his Word on the Street. Check... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Goes Back to Hollywood LA with a Dynamic Performance (Video)

Vic Mensa renders a dynamic performance of "Hollywood LA," one of the many standout cuts on his Innanet Tape, at Truth Studios in Los Angeles. His dynamic delivery emphasizes the intricate wordplay embedded in the deceptively laid back song. Check out the video. Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Here’s Another Timeless Blend of Marvin Gaye & Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) (Audio & Video)

Earlier this year, Amerigo Gazaway released Inner City Travelin' Man, one of the better projects of the year. The album blended the music and vocals of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), under the collective name of Yasiin Gaye. Gazaway is readying part 2 of the release, Yasiin... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Video

Here Are Some of the Best Freestyles of 2014 (So Far) (Video Playlist)

UPDATED to include fiery verses from Lupe Fiasco, Lecrae, Remy Ma, Vic Mensa, Elzhi and more. The last few weeks have brought some killer freestyles. Here's a video playlist of some of the MCs dropping the heaviest bars so far in 2014. You'll see Logic, Papoose, King Los, Prevail and... Read more

May 25, 2014 Playlists, Video

From Yeezus to God Level: New Music From Kanye West (Audio)

Update: Sources have confirmed the track is in fact called "God Level" and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer 88-Keys. Both friends and collaborators, this is not the first time Kanye and 88 have worked together. Most people know 88-Keys for his stellar production on Ye and Jay's "No... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Video

Logic’s Story May Be Even More Compelling Than His Verses. Here’s Why (Video)

Logic has been blistering microphones lately as he makes the rounds in NYC. Many are just starting to understand the talent the MC commands. It turns out, his story is every bit as compelling as his verses. He spoke to Sway about being biracial, growing up in an all Black... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

Ready for Another Ill Freestyle? eMC Abuse Some DJ Premier Tracks (Video)

Here's another ill freestyle session courtesy of Statik Selektah's Showoff Radio. Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Strick (aka eMC) bless the mic over some DJ Premier goodness, off the top...Check out the video.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

Erykah Badu Traced Her DNA to Determine Her Ancestry. Here’s What She Found (Video)

Erykah Badu took a DNA test to get a better sense of her full ancestry. OkayPlayer accompanied her on her journey and it yielded some fascinating results. Not only did Ms. Badu come away with a deeper understanding of her roots, she also learned that some of the things that... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

Logic Destroys the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. Did He Even Take a Breath?? (Video)

Logic took on Sway's 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle challenge and did what real MC's do...BODIED IT. Not only did he deliver some crushing off the top lyrics, it almost seemed like he didn't even take a breath. True lyrics of fury. Check it out. Related: Logic Shows Off His... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

Logic Shows Off His Lyrical Skills Over a DJ Premier Beat (Video)

Still sleeping on Logic's skills? Watch how he blisters the mic over this DJ Premier track on Statik Selektah's Show Off Radio. Part written. Part off the top. All dope. Related: Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)... Read more

May 20, 2014 Video

ScHoolboy Q Depicts His Grim Coming of Age Story in Hoover St (Video)

There have been a number of stories over the years detailing survival tactics in Southern California, from Compton's Most Wanted's "Growing Up in the Hood" to Ice Cube's "How to Survive in South Central" and many others. Recently, Kendrick Lamar's entire good kid, m.A.A.d. city album was dedicated to the... Read more

May 20, 2014 Video

Witness a Taste of The Roots “First Opera” (Video)

The Legendary Roots Crew took the stage last week at NYC's Public Theater and did a live rendition of their forthcoming album "...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin." Rather than a straight performance, they presented the work as a high art project, calling it their "first opera." Here's a trailer... Read more

May 19, 2014 Video

Take a Trip Back to the G-Funk Era With This Video Playlist (Video)

Here's a video playlist to transport you back to the G-Funk era. You'll see vintage clips from Dr. Dre, Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, Warren G, 2Pac, Spice 1, The Luniz, DJ Quik and more. Check it out. Related: Here’s a playlist celebrating the 21+ year career of the legendary DJ... Read more

May 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

Alex Trebek Recites Cypress Hill & The Beastie Boys. He Will Keep the Day Job…(Video)

Earlier in the year, a clip of Jeopardy's Alex Trebek reciting lyrics from Biggie, Dr. Dre, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy provided a minute and change of comic relief. Apparently, the show's producers have a dark sense of humor because they've once again given him a Rap category, forcing... Read more

May 16, 2014 Throwback

Here is One of the Best Freestyles You’ve Heard in Weeks. GUARANTEED (Video)

Time and time again, Sway's Five Fingers of Death has been the vehicle that separates the MC's from the wannabes. Prevail, from Swollen Members, has firmly established himself as the former. The elite MC tackled 5 random tracks, of different BPMs and genres, and destroyed them...OFF THE TOP. Many are... Read more

May 16, 2014 Video

Want To Better Understand? Stop And Listen To The Roots In Stop Motion (Video)

The Roots are just a few days away from the release of their eleventh studio album and anticipation is permeating across the internet. The character-driven conceptual album ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin is molded in the same light as their previous release, Undun, except that it features multiple characters satirizing stereotypes in... Read more

May 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Kay Slay Releases a Video for His Grimy ONYX & Outlawz Collaboration (Video)

Last week, DJ Kay Slay released The Last Hip Hop Disciple, a mixtape chock full of grimy goodness. One of the most rugged tracks was an unlikely collaboration between ONYX and 2Pac's Outlawz. That record, My Brother's Keeper, now gets the video treatment. Check it out. Related: Here’s Kay Slay’s... Read more

May 15, 2014 Video

When’s the Last Time You Heard Nas Kick a Double Time Flow? It Goes a Little Something Like This (Video)

Ever heard of Bliss n Eso? Nas has. He blessed the Australian Rap group with a verse and an appearance in their video for I Am Somebody. This is a very different sound for Nas. Not only does the track have a big Pop feel, it also features Nas rapping... Read more

May 15, 2014 Video

Adrian Lau Rocks Over a Fresh 70’s Style Soul Sample (Video)

Producer Harry Fraud has been the sonic architect behind some of the stronger mixtapes of the last few years, including Cigarette Boats, his joint project with Curren$y. A lower profile but equally strong release was Projection with Adrian Lau. Their song Under Control showcases the soulful sound that emanates throughout... Read more

May 15, 2014 Video

Questlove Provides the Beat; Black Thought Supplies the BLAZING HOT Lyrics (Video)

The Roots' Questlove and Black Thought joined Sway on Shade 45 and STRAIGHT CAUGHT WRECK. The dynamic duo took it back to the basics, with Quest on the turntable with nothing but a drumbeat and Black Thought spitting that hot fire off the top. This is Hip-Hop. Plain and simple.... Read more

May 14, 2014 Video

Isaiah Rashad Speaks About Life’s Struggles in His XXL Freestyle (Video)

Isaiah Rashad's songs have had a common mixture of pleasure and pain. He consistently demonstrates the ability to honestly address life's ups and downs. His XXL Freshman embodies those characteristics as he touches on the daily struggles and his desire to overcome them for himself and his son. Check out... Read more

May 13, 2014 Video

“THE FORBES LIST JUST CHANGED.” Dr. Dre Speaks on Becoming the First Billionaire in Hip-Hop (Video)

In a celebratory video that appears to have been recorded last night, Dr. Dre, along with Tyrese, speaks briefly about the Forbes list changing "in a big way." Dre's comments are no doubt related to the Forbes Hip-Hop list which recently, put Diddy atop with $700MM and Dre at #2... Read more

May 9, 2014 Video

Papoose Drops Bars and Bars and Bars on His Backroom Freestyle, After Serving Donald Sterling (Video)

Papoose delivered bars on bars on bars during his Backroom freestyle. He spit 4 straight minutes of choice similes and metaphors and even managed to serve Donald Sterling. Check out the video. Related: DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Think Redman Has Slowed Down? Think Again. He’s Still Got That FIRE (Video)

Redman is the gift that keeps on giving. After more than 20 years in the game, he's still got that flame when it comes to hot lyrics. Check out his latest video, Dunfiato. Related: Redman Raps From Under A Bridge, Rhyming To The Shaft Soundtrack (Video)... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Trek Past The Snow Capped Mountain & Into The Desert Valley Where Flying Lotus’ Dreams Live (Video)

Trek past the snow capped mountain and walk into the desert valley where strange creatures roam and dreams live. It is within this wondrous other world where you can find Flying Lotus crafting his emotive instrumental orchestrations for our world at home and to the planets beyond. Filmed in New... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin (eMC) Make It Slap Like Charlie Murphy (Video)

eMC, the collective of Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin, are stricly about those bars. There is no sing-songy hook or R&B loop on their song, Charlie Murphy. They just drop hot verses over sparse chords and drums that slap (like the song's namesake). Check out the video. Related: Masta... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Wood Harris Stars in the Short Film for Rick Ross’ Thug Cry (Video)

Wood Harris (The Wire, Paid in Full, Above the Rim) stars in the short film for Rick Ross' Thug Cry. The video stays true to the sonic tone of Ross' turn on the sample that anchored the Souls of Mischief's timeless '93 til Infinity. Check it out. Related: Rick Ross... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

50 Cent to Diddy: “Ma$e Ain’t Worth $2MM with $2MM in His Pocket” (Video)

Part 2 of 50 Cent's extended interview with Funkmaster Flex is even more revealing than part 1. 50 touches on several controversial topics, including commentating on the Jay Z/Drake beef, Tony Yayo skipping bail, ghostwriting for LL Cool J and tense business negotiations with Diddy regarding Ma$e. Flex interrupts 50.... Read more

May 3, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Covers 2Pac and Rocks It. THIS IS CALIFORNIA LOVE (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been consistent in his praise for 2Pac as one of his favorite artists. At the iHeartRadio Awards, he paid homage to Pac and Dr. Dre with a rousing rendition of California Love (and some m.A.A.d. City), backed by a live band. This is the ultimate symbol that... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Kicks the Ill Freestyle with Help From a Human Beat Box (Video)

When's the last time you saw somebody kick a freestyle accompanied by a human beat box? Vic Mensa stopped by Prince Paul's All Purpose Show and, after an insightful interview, dropped some off the top bars with a human beat box version of Biggie's 10 Crack Commandments. Check out the... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Witness the Future of Music Videos with Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk (Video)

Remember the "WTF moment" you had the first time you saw a video that broke through artistically (like The Pharcyde's Drop)? Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk have released a video that feels like a similar type of game-changer. "97.92" uses a panoramic camera to mind-bending effect. But, enough words. See... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Danny Brown Gives One of the Realest Interviews Ever on the Perils of Drinking Syrup (Video)

Over the years, syrup (or lean) has been glamorized in Hip-Hop. Danny Brown recently sat down with Tim Westwood and gave one of the realest interviews ever on the negative effects of drinking the concoction. Though he is smiling throughout, the details he gives about the ill effects of the... Read more

April 30, 2014 Video

People Know Pharrell Cried When Talking to Oprah. Here’s Why (Video)

Leave it to Sway to build on an interview done by OPRAH. Watch how he gets Pharrell Williams to open up about why he cried during the Oprah interview, working with the world's biggest artists and more. Check out the video. Here's the Oprah moment: Related: Pharrell Speaks on His... Read more

April 30, 2014 Video

Salute to OutKast for 20 Years of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Video)

Salute to OutKast on the 20th anniversary of their classic debut Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Here's a look back at their appearance on Yo! MTV Raps from that storied era. Fab 5 Freddy joins Big Boi, Andre and Organized Noize (the production collective behind the album) in Atlanta at the famed Dungeon studio.... Read more

April 26, 2014 Throwback

Meek Mill & Rick Ross Release a Hard Hitting Record for the Streets (Video)

Meek Mill and Rick Ross don't cover any new ground substantively on Off the Corner, but as is the case with many of their prior collabos, the record bangs. This is from Meek Mill's upcoming Dreams Worth More Than Money project. Check out the video. Related: Meek Mill Releases Dreams... Read more

April 25, 2014 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

Dave Chappelle Clowns With Boot Camp Clik Back In The Day (Video)

Duck Down has released some vintage footage of Dave Chappelle with Boot Camp Clik from what looks like the mid-90's. Dave provides some impromptu comedic commentary on the Clik's smoking preferences and clowns the Clik in the process. Check out the video. Related: When’s the Last Time You Saw a... Read more

April 24, 2014 Throwback