Happy Birthday Aaliyah

Today would have been the 35th Birthday of Aaliyah. Still missed by so many. 

Damu The Fudgemunk on Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Mass Appeal welcome Damu The Fudgemunk as their next guest on Rhythm Roulette. This time the format is changed as Damu recreates and performs drum breaks on a drum set and explains why he won't use certain records to make beats. He also talks a little about how he got started making music.

The Cut with DJ Revolution and Marco Polo (Video)

The Cut followed Marco Polo and DJ Revolution around New York as they went record digging. They also go through the process of record making while Marco plays some music from his recent album "PA2: The Director's Cut".

A Look at Hip-Hop at Harvard feat. Nas (Video)

Last year you may have heard about Harvard University's introduction of the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship. A design firm named Ammunition have made a video showing a little insight in to what the course will actually involve and what it means for Hip-Hop at Harvard.

DOOM For Clarks Originals (Video)

As I'm sure many are aware, DOOM has collaborated with Clarks to create his own line of Clarks Originals. In this short video, DOOM talks a little about the teaming up with Clarks and how he's left his mark on the iconic shoe.

There is also a new song a video on the way in support of the project.

Exile Remixes Jay Z's Holy Grail (Video)

With the help of his trusty MPC, Exile rips apart, reconstructs and totally flips Jay Z and Justin Timberlake's "Holy Grail" collaboration. As usual, he absolutely smashes it. He also incorporates a few other Jigga tracks. Hopefully the big homie sees/hears this.

Killer Mike & El-P Vs. The People (Video)

The always entertaining Killer Mike and El-P aka Run The Jewels were asked to read and respond to some of the YouTube comments for their video to "36" Chain". No phux given, it seems. Haha.

Kobe Bryant Talks With Russ Bengston About The Nike Kobe Elite 9 (Video)

Last night Kobe Bryant made his return to the NBA after a long road to recovery following an injured achilles. Coincidentally, a few days ago, there was the unveiling of his new signature sneaker; the Kobe Elite 9. Russ Bengston of Complex's Quick Strike sat down with Kobe to discuss the new release and his history with the Nike brand.

Watch the short interview below and check an up close look at the shoe with Jacques Slade beneath that.

Jay Z Birthday Videos

Jay Z turns 44 years old today so just thought I'd post some of his classic videos that don't get the shine that they deserve. I took a couple of tracks from his underrated album "In My Lifetime Vol.1". Give that another listen.

Adult Rappers: Opening Titles, Interview Clips and More (Video)

To reassure the many fans waiting for the release of the documentary "Adult Rappers", the director and creator Paul Iannacchino Jr released the opening titles of the film. Not giving much away other than a list of people to expect appearances by, the opening credits serve as sign that the film is well on its way.

Take a look at the clip below and be sure to follow Paul on Twitter @pawlmadethis
I've also included some clips and teaser interviews with Breeze Brewin, Homeboy Sandman, Soul Khan, Donwill and even J-Zone's father, to whet your appetite.

Magnum Opus: The Making of Busta Rhymes' "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" (Video)

Busta Rhymes' hit making ability is undeniable. He's been doing it for twenty years now. From his early days with Leaders Of The New School and solo debut with "Woo Hah! Got You All In Check" to his recent hit "Thank You" alongside Q-Tip, Bus a Bus has classics.

The one that sent him astronomically is the classic cut "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See". And who could forget the amazing Coming To America themed video? Complex's latest installment of Magnum Opus explores the making of this groundbreaking record with input from the song's producer Shamello, along with other comments from Talib Kweli, Jarobi, Elektra Records A&R Dante Ross and a host of others.

Watch the short feature on it below. Also, check the classic video too.

Follow Friday - The Doppelgangaz & Timeless Truth

Instead of spending money I shouldn't be on Black Friday (I just did), I thought a "Follow Friday" segment was in order. The groups that I've decided to feature are two that I've been following for a few years now. Both make back to basics Hip Hop and is exactly what people are crying out for these days. Or so they say...

I won't give you bios for them. You can discover that yourself. All I'm doing is shedding some light and hopefully putting some great music your way. To those already listening, kudos. To those this is new to, hope you enjoy as much as I do. Check out The Doppelgangaz and Timeless Truth.

Find The Doppelgangaz @thedoppelgangaz and Doppelgangaz.com

Find Timeless Truth @timelesstruth and here.

The Black Album's 10 Year Anniversary

The last ten years have absolutely flown by. You know you're getting old when you use albums to measure time periods. Well Jay Z's "last album" is ten years old this weekend, so I thought I'd post a few videos and featurettes on the making of it. I've even posted the full movie "Fade To Black", which was meant to be his swan song performance. No, he's still putting out music today.

Rare Notorious B.I.G. Documentary from 1995

Rare is probably the wrong word to use now that it's had nearly 25,000 views on YouTube but it was certainly new to me. A short documentary with Biggie Smalls aired on Channel 4's "Passengers" back in 1995. It shows Big back in his neighborhood and even shows him recording.

The video has been on YouTube since August but only caught my attention today over at Complex. Check the video below.

The Wu Reflect on 20 Years (Video)

Wu members and extended fam reflect on the last 20 years of the impact the Wu-Tang Clan have had and the legacy they'll leave. Courtesy of Revolt TV.

Wu-Tang and ATCQ Albums Turn 20

20 Years

On November 9th 1993, arguably two of Hip Hop's most loved and classic albums were released by A Tribe Called Quest and the Wu-Tang Clan. There shouldn't be a discussion over which is the better body of work as the two are completely different but they both still hold a sound that we yearn to hear today. Everyone has their favourite albums and these will almost always be brought in to the conversation.

Check below for a selection of videos from both albums. 

RIP Heavy D

Today marks the second anniversary of the passing of Heavy D. Nuthin' but love!

Rhythm Roulette with Marco Polo (Video)

Once again with have a Marco Polo feature. This time he's the next to show his skills on Mass Appeal's "Rhythm Roulette".

Allen Iverson Officially Retires

Tonight one of the greatest basketball players of a generation will officially retire. Allen Iverson will be honoured at the Philadelphia 76er's season opener against the Miami Heat. Despite not suiting up in an NBA uniform for three years, AI will be officially retired in the city he called home for much of his career.

He never managed to get that elusive championship with the Sixers, although he came very close in 2001, but the numerous awards, personal accolades and the numbers he put on the board over the years speak volumes. The only thing I can really do is show some video highlights of his career and to wish him well. It's a sad day.

Watch his retirement press conference followed by some highlights.

BET Cyphers 2013 (Video)

The BET Hip Hop Awards released their annual slew of "The Cypher" videos with contributions from TDE, Slaughterhouse, Action Bronson, Rittz, Jon Connor, Rapsody to name just a few. It'll come as no surprise that the standout cyphers came from Slaughterhouse and a particularly venomous display from Kendrick Lamar from the TDE camp. Long time Yelawolf collaborator Rittz also stood out from a lot of mediocre verses.

Check the TDE, Slaughterhouse videos below as well as the video Rittz was a part of.

TDE (ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad and Kendrick Lamar)

Slaughterhouse (Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9 & Joe Budden)

Wax, Rapsody, Emis Killa, Rittz and Jon Connor