Horse Power: Hip-Hop's Impact On Polo Ralph Lauren

Complex continue with their relentless release of visual content with the long form video "Horse Power: Hip-Hop's Impact On Polo Ralph Lauren".

The sports and lifestyle clothing line, which was adopted by Hip-Hop in the early 90's, has gone on to be one of the most popular labels on the planet. This is probably due, in no small part, to the Hip-Hop aesthetic. 

Complex talks to a number of Hip-Hop artists such as Thirstin Howl III, Raekwon, A$AP Ferg and Timeless Truth, as well Tyson Beckford, who modeled for the brand, as well as the infamous Lo-Life crew. 

Check the documentary below.

Unsung: Jon B. (Video)

Jon B.

TV One continues their popular series Unsung with an artist who truly is just that; Jon B. After over twenty years in to his music career, Jon B. tells his story of where he started, the obstacles he's had to overcome and more importantly, what he's up to these days. Definitely a great show to watch to celebrate someone who has paved the way for a few people that I'm sure you're familiar with.  

Jon B. has been one of my favourite artists over the last twenty plus years whose music is still in rotation. Look out for his new album "Mr. Goodnight" which is due to be released this coming Valentine's Day.

Eminem - Infinite (Remastered Remix) & Partners In Rhyme: The True Story Of Infinite (Video)

Eminem

On the 20th anniversary of Eminem's first studio album "Infinite" being released, he drops a remixed and remastered version of the title track. The grittiness of the original is cleaned up and polished but it's still a great listen if you never heard the original.

To accompany the single, a short documentary has been put out with footage of Eminem with his first producers and early video of the emcee.

The single is available now and you can listen below and also watch the documentary.

The Making of "Disposable Arts" by Masta Ace (Documentary)

Masta Ace "Disposable Arts" album cover

It's been 15 years since the release of Masta Ace's classic album "Disposable Arts" but a few years ago in 2013 the album was re-issued by Below System Records out of The Netherlands. Packaged with the album was a making of the album documentary that was only recently put online and premiered by Ambrosia For Heads.

Stories behind the tracks are discussed with Ace himself along with a number of the producers and artists featured, including Stricklin, Wordsworth, Punch, Rah Digga, Domingo, Xplicit and DJ J-S1 to name a few. This is a really interesting watch if you're a fan of Masta Ace and what sparked his return to music after a six year break and the obstacles Ace and his team faced just to put the album out.

J Dilla's Vinyl Collection - Crate Diggers

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of J Dilla. 

Not much else can be said about the impact that he had on music, his family, friends and fans. A few years ago, as part of their Crate Diggers series, Fuse TV put together an episode looking at his personal collection of vinyl. In his absence, numerous close friends and collaborators talk about the man and his music.

RIP Jay Dee.

Magnum Opus: The Making of Gang Starr's Mass Appeal (Video)

DJ Premier and Guru

Once again, Complex add another great episode to their series of web episodes "Magnum Opus". This time they take a look at the classic record "Mass Appeal" by Gang Starr. DJ Premier himself, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Stretch Armstrong and Lil Dap all add their stories and memories of the record among others.

RIP Guru.

Watch the episode below and check out the video for "Mass Appeal" beneath that.

Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio 1980-1988 (Mini-Documentary)

"New York City Radio during the 1980's featured the most dynamic and influential soundtrack the city had ever heard."

Red Bull Music takes a look back at radio in New York City in the 1980's with DJs such as DJ Red Alert, Stretch Armstrong, Marley Mal and DJ Spinna sharing their memories. Everyone on here was influenced in one way or another and they all reminisce about their personal connection to the music.

Unfortunately, this is desperately short considering the scope of music released back then but still very enjoyable.

Watch the video below.

Mobb Deep - The Infamous Documentary (Video)

Havoc and Prodigy

With Mobb Deep recently being added to the line up at this years' Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, the festival executive Wes Jackson dropped this short documentary on their classic album "The Infamous". This coincides nicely, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the album's release.

Watch the documentary below.

Mobb Deep The Infamous Documentary by BKHipHopFestival

Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story (Video)

Eminem

Complex produced a short documentary on the start of Eminem and Paul Rosenberg's Shady Records and its evolution over the last 15 years. A number of artists who are on the label and got their start there talk about the impact Shady had on their careers and lives.

Dr. Dre, Royce Da 5'9, 50 Cent Mr. Porter more are featured. Watch the video below.

Fashawn - The Ecology Documentary (Video)

Fashawn

On the heels of his sophomore album "The Ecology", Mass Appeal present this documentary of the same name. The piece takes a look at hs origins in Fresno, California and talks to his family, friends and mentors growing up as well as those he works with to this day including Evidence and Exile.

Watch the documentary below. The new album is available now.

Also, check his video for "Guess Who's Back" here if you missed it.

Action Bronson's Fuck, That's Delicious Episode 5

Here goes episode 5 of Bam Bam's "Fuck, That's Delicious" where he heads to New Orleans.

Action Bronson's Fuck, That's Delicious Episode 4

Action Bronson serves up episode 4 of "Fuck, That's Delicious". He takes us back to NY in this installment and obviously feels much more at home roaming the streets searching for the best food spots.

Magnum Opus: The Making of Mike Jones' Still Tippin' with Slim Thug & Paul Wall (Video)

Almost a decade after the initial release, Complex take a look at the making of the seminal Texan record "Still Tippin'" by Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall.

We hear from all involved in the record including the producer Silah who made the classic beat, the co-founder of Swishahouse Records Michael "5000" Watts as well as other Houston representatives. 

I wasn't aware that there was an original version of this without Mike Jones on it or the subsequent rift it left between Paul Wall and Chamillionaire. A great watch.

Check the doc below and also the video for the song by Dr. Teeth after that.

Action Bronson's Fuck, That's Delicious Episode 3

Action Bronson drops the latest episode of "Fuck, that's Delicious" and this time shares his experience here in the UK, stopping by Liverpool, London and Manchester on the way. Bronsolino actually has roots here in Manchester. He mentions it here but I remember him talking about it the first time I saw him live a few years ago.

Magnum Opus: The Making Of Puff Daddy's Can't Nobody Hold Me Down (Video)

Love him or hate him, no one can deny that Puff Daddy has more than a few hit records under his belt. The majority of these came from his production with the likes of Mary J Blige, Biggie Smalls and 112 to name a few artists. These are tracks that are still heard to this day.

Complex turn to his breakout hit as an artist with his 1997 single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" featuring Mase and go behind the making of this important record in Puffy's career. As well as talking to Puffy, Complex also get comments from Mase, Nasheim Myrick (co-producer) and Dante Ross. They discuss the creation, the impact of the record and the questions that arose from using an already popularised sample.

Watch the episode of "Magnum Opus" below. The full video for "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" featuring Mase is also included beneath.

Bright Lights - Total Slaughter's Main Events (Documentary)

Ahead of tomorrow night's highly anticipated pay per view battle event Total Slaughter, Watch Loud have released a short documentary on the four headliners taking part. "Bright Lights" takes a look at the mindsets and preparation of Murda Mook, Loaded Lux, Joe Budden and Hollow Da Don.

The pay per view can be streamed at Watch Loud tomorrow.

Action Bronson's Fuck, That's Delicious Episode 2

More of the same from Bronson in the second episode of "Fuck, That's Delicious" as he continues to explore eateries as he tours. There's something great about watching him enjoy his food. Pause.

First Word Records x Record Store Day - Nothing Leaves The House (Video)

To celebrate Record Store Day, First Word Records put together this little digging video with Mr. Thing, Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy and Kidkanevil.

First Word Records -

"On a Saturday morning at the start of November 2013, First Word Records took 3 of our favourite producers out of London to spend the day browsing through the vinyl shelves of the biggest record nerd we know - the incomparable Mr Thing. This was the culmination of an idea that first manifested itself on Record Store Day 2012. Like most ideas it was a natural conclusion to a conversation about records and music - kidkanevil had expressed a desire to dig through Mr Thing's sizeable collection for some inspiration. Chatting to Mr Thing it seemed unfair to limit this to only one producer - Tall Black Guy and Eric Lau were top of our wish list. So - a double 7" (Mr Thing would make a beat too - they are his records after all) in time for Record Store Day 2013 (yes, we're a year late). There was however one stipulation about the records from the usually mild-mannered Mr Thing:

'The guys can sample anything they like, but Nothing Leaves The House....'
And who were we to argue.....

The result is four tracks that celebrate our love for record digging, sample chopping and the simple love of a dope beat."
Watch the video and then check the four tracks that were produced below.

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.

Beginnings: Black Moon - Enta Da Stage (Short Documentary)

This year, a number of Hip-Hop groups have been or will be celebrating the 20th year anniversaries of their debut albums. One of those celebrating this coming weekend are Black Moon. In this short documentary, DJ Evil Dee, 5FT and Buckshot look back at their beginning and making of that first album; "Enta Da Stage".