AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Janet Jackson Will Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Janet Jackson has five Grammy awards, nine MTV Music Video Awards trophies, and an Oscar nomination. However, the 30-plus-year music superstar may have just received her biggest accolade to date. In 2019, Jackson will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The ceremony will take place at... Read more

Missy Elliott Honored By Janet Jackson. She Opens Up About Her Serious Illness (Video)

Thursday night (January 25), the ninth annual Essence Black Women In Music event took place. As the event's title states, the yearly ceremony celebrates Black women in music and spotlights a specific female artist. Previous years saw honorees such as Erykah Badu, Sylvia Rhone, Golden Globe winner and now 2018... Read more

At 50, Janet Jackson Still Has The Goods To Make You Say “Dammn Baby” (Video)

Today (May 5), the world has been gifted with two huge pieces of Janet Jackson-related news. First, reports have shared that the 49-year-old superstar and her husband Wissam Al Mana are expecting, which of true would mean Ms. Jackson would become a first-time mother at the age of 50. While... Read more

Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Team Up to Set the Dance Floor on Fire (Audio)

Both Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott are making their way back to the spotlight after some times away. They worked together twice in the 2000s, but the R&B-Pop superstar and the Hip-Hop mainstay have both appeared to have been less than interested in the musical space in the 2010s. "BURNITUP!"... Read more

Rise & Shine: Watch Janet Jackson & J. Cole in ‘No Sleeep’ (Video)

Janet is back. The legendary pop icon hasn't released any new music in more than 7 years. Next month, she will kick off her Unbreakable World Tour to promote what will be her eleventh solo effort (the first album of hers since the passing of her brother, Michael, in 2009).... Read more

J. Cole Joins Janet Jackson With A Shining Verse For Her No Sleeep Remix (Audio)

In the seven years since Janet Jackson had released new music, J. Cole had transcended from a hopeful MC/producer in North Carolina to one of the genre's biggest stars overall. Part of what delivered Jermaine Cole to the mainstream was his knack for working with singers, showcasing versatility on nearly... Read more

Janet Jackson’s No Sleeep Is A Wake Up Call (Lyric Video)

Last month, Janet Jackson revealed her first single in years, "No Sleeep" (don't slumber on that third 'E'). Miss Jackson's awakening, came courtesy of a reunion with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, producers regularly associated with her greatest successes. Following a late June BET Icon Award reception, Janet moves forward... Read more

Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Are BACK, 9 Years Later (Audio)

It has been seven years since Janet Jackson released a solo album. So much has happened since then. Ms. Jackson lost her brother, Michael. She got married, again. She launched her own Rhythm Nation Records. So at last, Janet is back with new music. After going in a different direction... Read more

Statik Selektah Flips a Vintage Janet Jackson Track for Wais P (Audio)

Statik Selektah dug in the crates for some vintage Janet Jackson on his latest track for Wais P. And, based on the lyrics, Wais P would definitely be calling Janet "Ms. Jackson"...Check out Nasty. Related: Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz... Read more

Drake’s New Album Breaks Records Held By The Beatles, Michael Jackson & More

Drake's Scorpion is currently the talk of the music space. As many anticipated, the charts felt the sting most as the OVO founder's fifth album breaks new records and put the 31-year-old in a class of his own while besting some truly iconic musical peers. While Michael Jackson's posthumous vocal... Read more

Jackson 5 Patriarch Joe Jackson Has Passed Away At Age 89

Joseph Walter Jackson, one of music's most famed and successful managers, has died this morning (June 27). The 89-year-old Jackson was battling pancreatic cancer. In the last three years, the longtime executive behind the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson had suffered a stroke and survived an injury in... Read more

Outkast Turned Down a Super Bowl Performance & It’s Ms. Jackson Who’s Sorry

Big Boi was a guest this week on ESPN's The Dan Le Batard Show. As he's done in the past, he made predictions about this week's NFL match ups but, in between the sports talk, he made a revelation about something that could have changed Super Bowl history. Halfway through... Read more

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

Michael Jackson’s Archives Are Going To Be Produced By Which Hip-Hop Super-Producer? (Video)

It's soon to be five years since "The King Of Pop" Michael Jackson tragically passed away. In addition to a diamond-paved catalog of hit songs and blockbuster albums, M.J. is soon to have a second posthumous LP. Named Xscape (no relation to the '90s girl group), details are starting to... Read more

What Would Michael Jackson Sound Like On A J Dilla Beat? J Rocc Got The Answers (Audio)

Years ago, J Rocc, the third member of JayLib, and Dilla's label-mate at Stones Throw Records made "Dill Jackson." The mash-up mixes meshed the worlds of Michael Jackson with Jay Dee. It's not designed to rock a party, or be cute. Rather, The Beat Junkies member took two artists who... Read more

Missy Elliott Is The First Female Hip-Hop Artist Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

This weekend (November 3), Missy Elliott became the first female Hip-Hop artist to enter the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The Virginia veteran MC/producer appeared at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center, where she was presented the honor by her "Fast Car" collaborator Queen Latifah. The presenter credited Missy Elliott... Read more

Heavy D’s Impact On Hip-Hop Cannot Be Overstated

There have been a number of valiant attempts to highlight some of the most significant Hip-Hop moments, milestones and people of the last half century. The 2023 Grammy Awards dedicated nearly 15 minutes to an epic tribute featuring performances by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J,... Read more

Eminem Will Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has confirmed its 2022 class. Eminem will be inducted into the Cleveland, Ohio hall as a first-time ballot nominee. Marshall Mathers joins a performer category class that includes Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, The Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, and Carly Simon. Jimmy Jam... Read more

“Good Times” Actress Ja’Net DuBois Has Passed Away At Age 74

Emmy Award-winning actress Ja'Net DuBois has passed away at the age of 74 today (February 18). She may be best remembered for playing "Willona Woods" on television's Good Times series. DuBois played the neighbor character on all six seasons of the show, which premiered between 1974 and 1979. Additionally, she... Read more

How J. Cole Used Drake’s Playbook To Score His Biggest Hit & Win A Grammy

Sunday night (January 26), J. Cole won his very first Grammy Award. The 2020 "Best Rap Song" trophy was for the "a lot" collaboration from 21 Savage's i am > i was. While 2019's category winner, Drake, was included in the televised portion of the show (giving an impassioned and... Read more

Andre 3000 Speaks On Not Having The Confidence To Make New Music (Audio)

Andre 3000 has not released an album in more than 13 years. While Outkast co-founder Big Boi has enjoyed a successful solo career with four titles of his own, "3 Stacks" has pursued work in film and fashion. In recent years, Andre's music is often a departure from Rap, venturing... Read more

Missy Elliott Works It! She Brings Her Classic Videos To Life At The VMAs

Last night (August 26), Missy Elliott accepted the coveted legacy prize at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The 48-year-old Portsmouth, Virginia MC, producer, dancer, and philanthropist was on hand to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard trophy, which puts her in the company of some of modern music's greatest... Read more

Missy Elliott To Receive The Video Vanguard Award At 2019 VMAs

More than 20 years after "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," Missy Elliott will receive one of the highest honors for music videos. The Portsmouth, Virginia MC/producer has been confirmed to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The televised ceremony will broadcast... Read more

Missy Elliott Is The 1st Female MC To Enter The Songwriters Hall Of Fame (Video)

Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott has become the first female Hip-Hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. While JAY-Z became the first artist in Rap to join the prestigious circle two years ago, Missy follows a 2018 where Jermaine Dupri was admitted. Both appeared in New York City... Read more

John Singleton Has Passed Away At The Age Of 51

UPDATE: Moments ago (April 29), the family of John Singleton confirmed that the 51-year-old film and television producer, director, and screenwriter has died. The report comes hours after family members released a statement to TMZ announcing that he would be removed from life support today. A Singleton family rep has... Read more

In 1996, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Made An Anthem About Love & Survival (Video)

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony dominated the mid-1990s with a unique style of Rap music. Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone, and Flesh-N-Bone put Ohio on the global Rap map with a harmonic sound that pulled from the church and the street alike. While 1994's Creepin' On Ah Come Up achieved gold-certification... Read more

RZA Is Pushing For Wu-Tang Clan To Be In The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Since 2017, the Wu-Tang Clan group has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. However, the nine-man New York Rap collective has yet to appear on the ballot. As 2019's induction ceremony takes place Friday night (March 29) in Brooklyn, RZA says that he... Read more

Missy Elliott Assists Lizzo For A Banger That Sounds Large & In Charge

UPDATE: Lizzo and Missy Elliott release the music video for "Tempo": ORIGINAL MARCH 20 STORY: Minneapolis, Minnesota rapper Lizzo is no stranger to embracing individuality. The artwork to her upcoming album, Cuz I Love You, showcases the artist sitting in the nude in front of a blank photo backdrop. That... Read more

Questlove Gives The Inside Story Behind The Making Of Things Fall Apart

This weekend marks 20 years since The Roots released their fourth album, Things Fall Apart. In celebrating the album's 20th-anniversary, Questlove spoke with Urban Legends' Maxwell Dartey to break down Things Fall Apart, track-by-track. That oral history is a journey that takes place in Philly, New York City, and Detroit. The... Read more

John Singleton Recalls Trying To Convince Tupac To Hang Up His Mic In 1993

While director John Singleton's career spans a hearty three decades and is chock full of incredible stories to revel in, memories surrounding his cherished interactions with Tupac remain as fresh as ever. In a new interview with The Daily Beast's Stereo Williams, which arrived in tandem with his Poetic Justice... Read more

Missy Elliott Becomes The First Female MC To Enter The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott has become the first female Hip-Hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. While JAY-Z became the first artist in Rap to join the prestigious circle two years ago, Missy follows a 2018 where Jermaine Dupri was admitted. Both appeared in New York City... Read more

Questlove Curates Massive Soundtrack For Michelle Obama’s Book Tour. Listen Along.

Michelle Obama released her memoirs titled Becoming last week and now she's embarked on a 10-city tour to support the book. In a style befitting of a former First Lady of the United States, her string of speaking engagements has its own soundtrack titled The Michelle Obama Musiaqualogy. Not only that, but... Read more

Too Short’s Career Documentary Includes Rare Footage From MC Breed & More (Video)

Too Short is a pioneer within Rap. While Todd Shaw has been churning out albums for 31 years, his career in music goes back even further. With such an extensive resume in Hip-Hop, Too Short takes a moment to reflect on some key moments in his career. He produced 3... Read more

J. Cole Doesn’t Use Guest Verses But The Ones He Raps Never Lack (Video)

A guest verse from J. Cole is arguably one of the best "gets" in Hip-Hop today. The Dreamville MC and producer has earned enough accolades for his own work to place him among today's pre-eminent recording artists, but his artistry doesn't stop on his solo albums. Notably, the rapper who's... Read more

LL Cool J Has Been Nominated For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

A foundational figure in Hip-Hop history is eligible for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a milestone reached in past years by Beastie Boys, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, N.W.A., Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C. and Tupac Shakur. This year, LL Cool J is among the list of... Read more

Busta Rhymes Shows He Still Spits Fire From The Dungeon On A Collabo With Missy (Audio)

Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott are two beloved MCs that transcend the Hip-Hop genre. Since the TV music video-era boom, these lyricists played to the mainstream with bigger than life stage personas and massive bursts of creativity. Pop peers wanted in, and Bussa-Bus and Misdemeanor became household names with catalogs... Read more

Why Prince’s Performance Remains The Greatest Super Bowl Halftime Show Ever (Video)

In 1993, Michael Jackson was the biggest Pop star on the planet when he performed at January 31's Super Bowl XXVII's halftime show. The prior year, In Living Color broadcast right at halftime. For football Heads watching the game on CBS, a reported 22 million viewers clicked over to FOX... Read more

Justin Timberlake Will Perform At The Super Bowl In The Worst Year He Could Have Chosen

On February 1, 2004, Justin Timberlake was part of arguably the most memorable, and certainly the most controversial Super Bowl halftime concert. In the middle of the halves of battle between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, the fledgling solo star (two years removed from NSYNC) shared the stage... Read more

This 6 Hour DJ Premier Tribute Takes All Other Mixes Out With The Fader (Audio)

DJ Premier has had a busy June. After years upon years in the making, he and Year Round Records released MC Eiht's Which Way Iz West album. Furthermore, Preemo, Brady Watt, and the rest of The Badder Band toured the States for the first time. With PRhyme 2 confirmed to... Read more

Impeach The President Got Top Billin’ From Audio Two (Video)

Turn on a lot of American newscasts right now, read the blogs, or encounter a "water-cooler" discussion, and one may likely hear the word "impeachment." Over the last 20 years, this word has re-entered the lexicon in a major way, through several US presidencies, quite obviously including the current. In... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. RZA. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: A Tribe Called Quest vs. Timbaland. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Shows NOBODY Rocks A Party Like He Can (Video)

For more than 30 years, DJ Jazzy Jeff has been one of the most formidable turntablists in Hip-Hop. Jeff's techniques literally transformed the way DJs approached moving crowds. As one half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Jeff was one of the last grandmasters to warrant top billing... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: No ID vs. A Tribe Called Quest. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

Snoop Dogg Recalls Meeting Tupac & Nearly Battle Rapping (Video)

In 1996, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg would release several collaborations, beginning with All Eyez On Me video single "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted." Snoop has previously credited himself with recruiting Shakur to join Death Row Records in 1995, when the Long Beach, California MC was the standout MC at... Read more

Finding The GOAT Producer: Havoc vs. RZA. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

Tupac Will Enter The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Gene Simmons Can Kiss Off.

In just five years of releasing albums, Tupac Shakur transformed Hip-Hop music and culture. The New York-born lyricist made songs about love, family, decadence, teenage pregnancy, police brutality, and humiliating his enemies, among a litany of other topics. The music of Shakur's is as complex as the man, and often... Read more

Saturday Love: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Detail The Making Of A Classic (Video)

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are my favorite producers of all-time. That's saying a lot for a person who lives and breathes Hip-Hop and was a big enough Prince fan to believe it had to be him or them, given their well-documented music rivalry. Ironically, it was both Hip-Hop and Prince... Read more

OutKast Warned About The Dangers Of Phobia 20 Years Ago…They Were Right (Audio)

To follow up Poetic Justice, John Singleton’s 1993 romantic drama starring Tupac and Janet Jackson, the Boyz n the Hood director released his third movie two years later, in 1995. Higher Learning confronted issues like racism and sexual assault through the lens of students on a fabricated multicultural college campus.... Read more