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Keith Murray Details His Alleged Affair With Foxy Brown While She Dated Kurupt

In late 1999, Kurupt released one of the most inflammatory diss songs of that period. "Calling Out Names," an unlisted bonus song from Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha, was a scathing diss by Tha Dogg Pound MC aimed at DMX, Ja Rule, and Irv Gotti—while making disparaging remarks about The... Read more

Mickey Factz Freestyles Over Jadakiss’ Classic Like He Owns It

Veteran New York MC Mickey Factz has had a busy 2022. Just over one week ago, the Bronx lyricist partnered with producer Ayo Shamir to self-release It's Only Us Here, an album that features Sy Ari Da Kid and others. Earlier in the year, the artist assembled the conceptual Black History With... Read more

House Party Is Being Added To The Library Of Congress

The Library Of Congress chooses 25 movies annually to enter its National Film Registry. For 2022, the committee decided to include Kid' N Play's House Party in the hallowed halls. The 1990 film starring Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin, as well as Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Robin Harris, Full Force,... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s Video Shows 5 Years In 2 Minutes

The same day his friend and former label-mate Ab-Soul releases his first album in over six years, Kendrick Lamar steps forth with the latest music video from this year's Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers. The short-notice release is for "Count Me Out," the opening from the second half of... Read more

Ab-Soul Speaks In Vivid Detail About His Suicide Attempt

Today (December 16), Ab-Soul released his highly-anticipated HERBERT album. The 18-track Top Dawg Entertainment release finds the Carson, California native aiming to reclaim his post among Hip-Hop's most thoughtful, technically advanced MCs. The LP is also incredibly personal, with a previously released "Do Better" music video that alluded to a... Read more

Ab-Soul Freestyles Over Tupac & Biggie Disses With Love For Both

Just days before releasing his first album in six years, Ab-Soul makes his first freestyle appearance on the LA Leakers. The TDE mainstay begins as Justin Incredible and DJ Sour Milk drop the beat to Tupac Shakur and Tha Outlawz' "Hit 'Em Up" (as produced by the late Johnny J).... Read more

Bill Bellamy Gives New Details About The Fight Between LL Cool & Jamie Foxx

On December 22, 1999, Oliver Stone released Any Given Sunday, a film which took a hard-hitting look into the world of professional football. The project featured a who's who cast, which included Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Bill Bellamy, Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Matthew Modine, Jim Brown and... Read more

An Argument For Why Roc Marciano Is The Greatest MC Of All-Time

The conversation about who is Rap's best MC is Hip-Hop's great debate. As with sports, movies and other categories that lend themselves to rankings, the answer often evolves over time, as new entrants emerge. In the 1980s, names like Rakim, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J were often... Read more

Black Star & Westside Gunn Join Forces For A Song That’s On 10

Last month, Westside Gunn released 10. What began as a mixtape series a decade turned into a vehicle that delivered the Buffalo, New York MC and label founder to the mainstream. Griselda Records has become a movement to be reckoned with, and WSG has helped usher in a renaissance of... Read more

The Best Rap Verses Of 2022

As 2022 winds down to its closing weeks, Ambrosia For Heads begins a celebration of the year with an in-depth conversation about its best Hip-Hop verses. In considering 2022, AFH's What's The Headline podcast spent nearly 90 minutes breaking down some of our favorites. While there is unanimous agreement surrounding six songs, the two hosts... Read more

50 Cent Uses 2 Songs To Show How Differently Tupac & Eminem Saw The World

Nineteen years ago, 50 Cent joined Eminem as a top artist who made high-profile contributions to the soundtrack belonging to Tupac: Resurrection. The companion to Lauren Lazin's documentary presented Em and 50, two artists who found mainstream success after Tupac Shakur's 1996 death, spiritually aligning with an artist both admired.... Read more

Naturally 7 Remake Run-D.M.C.’s Holiday Classic With Style & Grace

Thirty-five years ago, Run-D.M.C. delivered one of the best holiday songs in any genre. "Christmas In Hollis" brought the mainstream home to the Profile Records trio's Queens, New York neighborhood. The song is charming and accessible without losing the magic that Hip-Hop's superstar trio had after their first three albums.... Read more

Ice Cube, E-40, Too Short & Snoop Are Giving Free Game

Over the last several years, one of the biggest super-groups in Hip-Hop history has been brewing. Mount Westmore is Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short. To date, the collective has released a handful of singles and performed together. However, now the California delegation from South Central Los Angeles,... Read more

Ab-Soul Goes Back To His Roots & Shows He’s Still A Top Dawg

Next month makes it six years since Ab-Soul released an album. In the time since Do What Thou Wilt., the Carson, California veteran worked on 2018's chart-topping Black Panther soundtrack, which was nominated for "Album Of The Year" at the following Grammy Awards. He made meaningful collaborations with fellow Carson... Read more

See Portraits Of Biggie, J. Dilla, Phife & More If They’d Lived To Grow Old

More than with any other genre, Rap artists seem to perish far too young. While that has disproportionately been driven by altercations that could have been resolved differently, there have also been a number of MCs who have succumbed to other fates. Phife Dawg, from A Tribe Called Quest, succumbed... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Celebrates His Grammy Noms By Showing He’s Already Won

Yesterday (November 15), the 2023 Grammy nominations were announced. Kendrick Lamar received eight nominations ahead of the 65th annual Grammys taking place February 5, 2023 on CBS. Only bested by Beyoncé's nine noms, K-Dot has received consideration in categories ranging from "Album Of The Year," "Song Of The Year," "Record... Read more

Nas Is In His Prime In His 40s

Last Friday (November 11), Nas and Hit-Boy released their fourth project since 2020. The King's Disease campaign, responsible for three of those albums, has taken Nas (and Hit-Boy) to new dimensions with their careers. In that time, Nas won his first Grammy, reunited with The Firm as well as Ms.... Read more

JAY-Z & Kendrick Lamar Are Competing For Best Lyricist On Music’s Biggest Stage

Earlier today (November 15), the Recording Academy announced their 65th annual Grammy Awards nominees in an online broadcast featuring Smokey Robinson, John Legend, and others. The precursor to the CBS televised February 5, 2023 event sets the stage for an exciting night for fans, especially those who closely follow the... Read more

Black Star Make SNL Chappelle’s Show With 2 Stellar Performances

In 2016, the Saturday following a pivotal American election, Dave Chappelle hosted SNL in one of the sketch show's more memorable moments of the last decade. That November 12 night, the musical guest was the recently reunited A Tribe Called Quest, making a rare performance following the death of Phife... Read more

Nas Pays Tribute To Takeoff With Powerful Words About Self-PRESERVATION

Yesterday (November 11), Nas and Hit-Boy released their fourth collaborative album since 2020. King's Disease III finds the legendary MC and the acclaimed producing carry on a tradition that earned both men Grammy Awards in 2021. The new collection of songs, released through Nas' Mass Appeal Records imprint, is about... Read more

Snoop Dogg’s Story Will Be Told In A Definitive Biopic

2022 has become one of the most cinematic years of Snoop Dogg's life. At 51 years old, Calvin Broadus, Jr. delivered an Emmy-winning Super Bowl Halftime Show performance alongside his mentor, Dr. Dre, as well as artists he influenced, including Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. In the days around... Read more

Westside Boogie’s Freestyle Makes Other MCs Look this Big

Nearly four years ago, Westside Boogie made a major impression with his first album on Shady Records. 2019's Everythings For Sale joined the Griselda crew in expanding Eminem's roster with new depth and range. That move had been happening since both parties smashed a 2017 BET Cypher. While the Buffalo,... Read more

Busta Rhymes’ Video Shows What His Life Would Be If He Never Rapped

Over two years ago, Busta Rhymes released a hallmark album in his career. 2020's Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God arrived at a time following a near-death respiratory issue for the MC legend. Additionally, the Conglomerate release drew from various sides and career points from Trevor Smith, Jr.—including... Read more

The History Of Violence In Hip-Hop: 6 Years Changed Everything

In the last year, Hip-Hop has lost an alarming number of its artists to violence. Young Dolph, PnB Rock, Trouble, and Drakeo The Ruler are just some of the noteworthy examples, among several others. In the last week, Migos member Takeoff was killed in Houston, Texas on November 1—adding to... Read more

Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane & Conway Slap The Competition On A New Song

Busta Rhymes approached the 2020s with something to prove. Two years ago, the veteran co-founder of Leaders Of The New School and Flipmode Squad gave fans a classic-level album—arguably the best in his career. Extinction Level Event 2 showed the many sides of Busta Bus, including collaborations with Rakim, Kendrick... Read more

J. Cole Told Us Who Kanye West Was 6 Years Ago But Many Ignored Him

During the intro to Kendrick Lamar's song "Savior" on his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album, the Compton MC says "Kendrick made you think about it, but he is not your savior. Cole made you feel empowered, but he is not your savior. Future said, 'Get a money counter,'... Read more

Kanye West’s Self-Destruction Should Not Be Televised

A dozen years ago, Kanye West released one of his many anthems in "Power." In the preview single to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 'Ye proclaimed, "I embody every characteristic of the egotistic / He knows he so f*ckin' gifted / I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts /... Read more

The Game Says Dr. Dre Has Never Produced A Song For Him

Last week, The Game appeared on Uproxx's Fresh Pair podcast to discuss a range of topics surrounding music and his nearly 20-year career. While the multi-platinum Compton, California promoted his new album, DRILLMATIC Heart Vs. Mind, he also opined on the five greatest Los Angeles Hip-Hop albums—with a list that... Read more

Cormega & Nas Have Reunited On A Song & It’s Glorious

Today (October 7), Cormega has delivered The Realness II. As Cormega recently detailed to Ambrosia For Heads' What's The Headline podcast, the album was carefully made to be a true sequel to the original—which arrived just over 21 years ago. Beloved song “American Beauty" gets a stylish update on "Her... Read more

The Game Names His Top 5 L.A. Rap Albums & It’s Hard To Argue Against Him

Since the release of his debut album The Documentary in 2005, The Game has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles, California Hip-Hop scene. When the 50 Cent and Dr. Dre executive-produced project dropped, The Game almost single-handedly put L.A. back on the Rap map in the maintream. While legends... Read more

Method Man, Busta Rhymes & 18 Other MCs Perform A Medley Of Their Classics

Many would like to forget the events of 2020, with good reason. The year brought a lot of challenges. However, amidst the trials and tribulations, there were a number of culture-shifting events and personalities that arose. D-Nice captivated the world with an Instagram Live DJ set that entertained millions. The... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Calls Out MCs Who Perpetuate Genocide In A Powerful Performance

There have been at least 59 Rap artists who have died from gun violence. That's more than one per year for a Hip-Hop genre which is less than 50 years old. Last night (October 4) at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, during the performance of the night, Joey Bada$$... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, M.O.P. & More Celebrate LOUD Records

Tonight (October 4), BET aired its annual Hip Hop Awards. Hosted by Fat Joe, the night was meant to celebrate Hip-Hop's finest, both old and new. The big winner of the night was Kendrick Lamar, who took home awards for artist of the year, album of the year, video director... Read more

Big Tigger & Rapsody Tear Down The Booth In A Rap City Freestyle

The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards aired tonight (October 4), hosted by Fat Joe. The show has been BET's celebration of the culture since 2006, featuring appearances and performances from Rap's biggest stars, as well as next generation MCs poised to grab the torch. This year's show featured performances by... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Explains Why Little Brother Is Only 2 Members Now

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the standout solo albums within his extensive career. To Dream In Color addresses personal growth, family, sacrifice, and dedication to music. The 10-song album was sequenced by Pooh's Little Brother partner Phonte. Three years removed from May The Lord Watch, the two... Read more

DJ Akademiks Clarifies His Insults Of Hip-Hop’s Founders & Raises Serious Questions

Last week, DJ Akademiks made some strong remarks surrounding the pioneers of Hip-Hop. While the media personality, podcaster, and Rap music social media maven did not criticize artists by name, he opined with harsh words amid an hours-long Twitch stream. "Them old rappers? Them ni**as [are] broke. Have you seen... Read more

Rapper Big Pooh Talks His New Album, Little Brother’s Status & More

Last month, Rapper Big Pooh released one of the most spirited works of his extensive 20-year career. The North Carolina-based Virginia native MC delivered To Dream In Color. The 10-song album features some powerful commentary on the pursuit of dreams, the value of family support and the will to succeed. Blakk Soul,... Read more

LL Cool J Blasts DJ Akademiks For Dissing Hip-Hop’s Pioneers

Weeks after Hip-Hop celebrated its honorary 49th birthday, one of the more popular commentators within the space has come under fire for some recent remarks surrounding Rap's pioneers. DJ Akademiks, known for his social media posts and co-host role on Complex's Everyday Struggle and Off The Record, did a Twitch... Read more

Cormega Explains Why The Realness 2 Is A True Sequel To The Original

Upon its mid-2001 arrival, Cormega's The Realness lived up to its title. After years of waiting his turn, the MC asserted himself to step forth with a body of work that combined a passion for wisdom-drenched lyricism with a survivor's tale of life in New York City streets and the Rap industry. The independently... Read more

Symba Calls Funkmaster Flex Out While Freestyling For Him

This week marks the 26th anniversary of the death of Tupac Shakur. On September 13, 1996, the MC, actor, poet, and pop culture superstar died in a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital following a drive-by shooting one week earlier. While many Tupac affiliates, insiders, and law enforcement officials have opined who... Read more

Eminem Discusses His Conflict With Snoop. He Reveals When & Why They Made Peace

In 2021, Eminem and Snoop Dogg went from collaborators to opposing forces in Hip-Hop. In January of that year, each superstar MC made comments about one another. Just over a year later, they shared the stage for an Emmy-winning Superbowl Halftime Show performance. Then, they released their first collaboration in over a... Read more

Hip-Hop Culture Is Closer To 100 Years Old Than 50 Years Old

Every August 11, Hip-Hop Heads celebrate a birthday associated with the culture. In 1973, that was the day that many historians credit DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) with throwing a back-to-school jam at the rec center of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York City's Bronx borough. In the last... Read more

Allen Hughes Says Tupac Was Delusional & Lost Himself In A Role

This week, Allen Hughes' anticipated Tupac and Afeni Shakur docuseries Dear Mama will make its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. The series, announced in 2019, is expected to arrive on Netflix by year's end. Hughes knew and worked with Shakur. Allen and his brother Albert had met Pac... Read more

Why 1996 Had The Perfect Storm To Split Hip-Hop In Two

On the most recent episode of Drink Champs, co-host N.O.R.E. told guests Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey, and Dave Chappelle about the moment he felt Hip-Hop became divided. The co-founder of Capone-N-Noreaga opined to Black Star that he feels The Roots' 1996 "What They Do" music video was a dividing line... Read more

Daringer Explains How He & Westside Gunn Created The Griselda Sound

Late last month, Queens, New York veteran MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer for a collaboration album, Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Meyhem's brother Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go back... Read more

JAY-Z Has Been A Billionaire Too Long A New Video Argues

On August 26, the most talked about Hip-Hop verse of the year released. JAY-Z appeared alongside Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, John Legend, and Fridayy on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID." Jay's part, a four-minute verse, appears to be his most-discussed set of bars since 2017's 4:44—especially after the artist personally revealed... Read more

Joyner Lucas Raps Forwards & Backwards On A Crazy Freestyle

Over the last five years, Joyner Lucas has gone from a standout independent lyricist to a Grammy-nominated artist. The Worcester, Massachusetts native MC released ADHD to a Top 10 charting response, following "Best Rap Song" and "Best Music Video" Grammy nods for Eminem collaboration "Lucky You" and "I'm Not A... Read more

Meyhem Lauren & Daringer Break Down Their New Album

Less than two weeks ago, Queens, New York MC Meyhem Lauren partnered with producer Daringer, architect of the Griselda Records sound, for Black Vladimir (embedded below). The 15-track album involves Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Elcamino, and Hologram and finds brilliant chemistry between two artists that go... Read more

Coast Contra’s Scenario Freestyle Is Scary Good

Coast Contra has been one of the most exciting breaking acts of 2022. The high-energy quartet has been around for several years—including an appearance on 2019’s acclaimed and charting Queen & Slim soundtrack. However, after a punctuating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Apt. 505 album, alongside work... Read more

Dr. Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar & Mary J. Blige Win Emmys For Halftime Show

Approaching seven months after this year's epic Superbowl Halftime Show, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige took home two Creative Arts Emmy Awards this weekend. Yesterday (September 3), the Television Academy awarded the collective for "Outstanding Variety Special (Live)" and "Outstanding Production Design" for the February 13... Read more