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Jadakiss Makes NY Hip-Hop Great Again

Last month, Jadakiss released one of the year's most stunning songs on DJ Khaled's GOD DID album. While JAY-Z's verse on the title track has been the talk of much of the Hip-Hop community for the last eight days, even Hov credited Jadakiss' solo song as a standout moment. This... Read more

Trae Tha Truth Is Caught On Video Jumping Z-Ro In A Houston Fight

Trae Tha Truth and Z-Ro have become two independent Rap stars out of Houston, Texas throughout the last 20-plus years. These two artists, who are also cousins, emerged from the Screwed Up Click collective to found Guerilla Maab and ABN (Assh*oles By Nature), where they released numerous collaborative albums. In... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s New Video Shows A Brutal Argument Unfold

Over three months after releasing his double album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar has just dropped a visual to an unlikely song. "We Cry Together" is one of the most dramatic parts of the Mr. Morale album, centered around a relationship argument and breakdown. In a short film... Read more

DJ Quik Details Almost Losing His Life Over Tupac Bootlegs

In 1996, DJ Quik was among the cast of acclaimed producers to work on Tupac's All Eyez On Me. The double album would reach #1 on the charts and eventually be certified diamond (10 million units sold). However, it experienced a leak that involved Quik, who produced "Heartz Of Men"... Read more

Rawkus Records’ Rise & Fall Is Detailed In A New Video

It was 15 years ago this fall that Rawkus Records stopped releasing albums. The "Rawkus 50" campaign allowed a new generation of MCs and producers to digitally release product with the same label that introduced many Hip-Hop Heads to names like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow, High & Mighty,... Read more

Young Guru Explains The Hidden Meanings In JAY-Z’s New Verse

Yesterday (August 26), JAY-Z's astounding verse arrived on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID." The song, a collaboration also featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Fridayy, arrived on Khaled's album of the same name. The song is produced by Khaled, Tarik Azzouz, Streetrunner, and Fridayy. Within, Jay spits lyrics including:... Read more

Snoop Explains Why He Lets Other MCs Write His Rhymes

This year, Snoop Dogg has released lots of new music while also acquiring the label that birthed his career, Death Row Records. Among his songs on BODR (Bacc On Death Row), which released in conjunction with the announcement, Snoop solicited writing from other artists. Although not in the official credits,... Read more

KRS-One Joins Forces With AZ & O.C. To Save The Culture

Last week, Ambrosia For Heads premiered "Represent The Real," a powerhouse collaboration between AZ, KRS-One, and O.C. That song, produced and released by Dublin, Ireland's Stylistic Murder (and the A-side to a special 7" vinyl single, with a B-side featuring ONYX, has now released a music video, which conveniently begins... Read more

Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Today (August 19), Diamond D released his latest album, THE REAR VIEW. The 15-song collection (embedded below) finds the veteran MC/producer flexing his MC chops while playing double duty behind the boards as producer. It features Westside Gunn, De La Soul's Posdnuos, and Diamond's latest protege, Ashtin Martin. The Bronx, New... Read more

Diamond D Speaks About His New Album & Spending A Day With Dr. Dre

This year marks 30 years since Diamond D's debut album, and he is celebrating in style. The Bronx, New York native MC/producer/DJ is releasing THE REAR VIEW on Friday, August 19. Arriving on D's Dymond Mine Records imprint, the 13-song collection demonstrates Diamond D as a true multi-talented artist. The co-founder... Read more

The LOX Use A Public Enemy Beat To Terminate The Competition

In addition to a respected group album catalog, The LOX collective is known for devastating loosies. Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P kept the L-O-X brand strong for a 15-year-period between We Are The Streets and the Roc Nation return Filthy America...It's Beautiful. Since then, the Yonkers, New York trio has been in overdrive, evident... Read more

Lloyd Banks Freestyles Over A Classic Dr. Dre Beat & Crushes It

After years of crushing the streets with mixtapes, G-Unit released its major label debut in late 2003. Beg For Mercy was a commanding display from 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck. At the time, Tony Yayo was still locked up, though his image appeared projected on the artwork of... Read more

Remy Ma & Rapsody Are Rap’s New Dynamic Duo

Last month (July 15), DJ Premier released an exceptional five-song collection. Hip-Hop 50, Vol. 1 kicks off Mass Appeal's series marching towards Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary in 2023. Today (August 11) marks the culture's 49th birthday as many Heads and historians celebrate it, honoring the day that DJ Kool Herc through a Saturday... Read more

KRS-One, AZ & O.C. Represent Real Hip-Hop With Style

UPDATE: Stylistic Murder has released the music video for "Represent The Real," featuring AZ, KRS-One, and O.C.: ORIGINAL AUGUST 11 STORY: Today (August 11) marks Hip-Hop's birthday. In celebration of the date, three elite MCs who have stood for the culture come together for a special collaboration premiering at Ambrosia For... Read more

Royce 5’9 Says He Regrets Making His Lupe Fiasco Diss Record

In the summer of 2021, Royce 5'9 went from podcast cohosts to adversaries trading diss bars in songs. The two Midwestern veterans abruptly ceased The Lupe & Royce Show, which was one of many successful podcasts created by talented MCs. This week on The Breakfast Club, Royce addresses the year-old... Read more

Megan Thee Stallion Regulates The Competition With A G-Funk Freestyle

In early 2019, Megan Thee Stallion's career was taking shape. The Houston, Texas MC had cracked the pop charts in late '18 with her Tina Snow EP. Meg had also previously worked with Wale. However, the 1501 Certified/300 Entertainment artist would use the year ahead to crack the code, and... Read more

Irv Gotti Describes The Night Nas Stood Up JAY-Z

Irv Gotti has been a close associate of JAY-Z for decades. As a DJ, producer, and record executive, the New Yorker worked with Jay during his ascent to stardom. In 1995, DJ Irv produced "Time To Build" for his artist Mic Geronimo. The song from The Natural featured JAY-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule.... Read more

DJ Premier & Benny The Butcher Have Made A Rough & Tough New Song

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

Ma$e Releases A Video Announcing He’s Signing To Death Row

It has been just six months since Snoop Dogg announced he acquired Death Row Records, and there has been newfound excitement around the record label originally founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. Tha Dogg Pound announced that they have returned to Death Row after more than 20 years away and are working... Read more

Death Row Records Investor Says Dr. Dre & Snoop Are Making An Album

In the early 1990s, Michael "Harry-O" Harris was as an alleged financier of Dr. Dre and Suge Knight's Death Row Records. An early iteration of the label was named Godfather Entertainment, in the incarcerated Harry-O's honor. Michael's then-wife, Lydia Harris, was to have a hand in the musical direction of... Read more

The Game’s Freestyle Shows He’s 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Underrated MCs

Tupac and Ice Cube are often cited as 2 of the greatest MCs of their generation, as is Kendrick Lamar. However, the man who bridged those generations, and put West Coast Hip-Hop back on the map, is often omitted from those conversations. When The Game released his debut album, The... Read more

Will Smith Finally Makes The Real Apology He Owes Chris Rock

This March's Academy Awards became one of the most talked about events of the year. During "Best Documentary Feature," Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock over a remark about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett. The consequences of that stage-rushing and ensuing slap have been grave to one of Hollywood's most respected... Read more

Chuck D & KRS-One Have Launched A Hip-Hop Union

At a time when labor unions are making a resurgence among companies like Starbucks and Amazon, Hip-Hop is proving no different. Some of the leaders in the culture have established The Hip Hop Alliance, dubbed "Hip-Hop's first official union." The organization, founded by Chuck D and Kurtis Blow, defines itself... Read more

Ali Shaheed Muhammad Reveals The Hidden Meaning Of Low End Theory

A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Ali Shaheed Muhammad recently released Katalyst JID013 on his Jazz Is Dead imprint. It's Ali's latest partnership with Jazz band Katalyst and producer/musician Adrian Younge. Shaheed spoke about the new LP while on The People's Party With Talib Kweli. The two Hip-Hop artists spoke about ATCQ's sophomore LP, The Low... Read more

Ras Kass’ Sons Destroy Mics Just Like He Does

This summer, the Hip-Hop quartet Coast Contra is on a rapid rise. The collective of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Rio Loz, and Eric Jamal has been releasing songs alongside Tobe Nwigwe, Ciara, and BJ The Chicago Kid amid the release of their LP, Apt. 505. Dave Chappelle also personally requested... Read more

Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex Are Battling Over The Future Of NY Hip-Hop

In the last week, a battle has been going on surrounding Hip-Hop radio in New York. The series of events began with an Instagram Live monologue from Conway The Machine, one of Rap's most promising and acclaimed MCs as of late. The Machine vented frustrations with media gatekeepers, especially on the radio.... Read more

JAY-Z & Kevin Hart Discuss What Would Happen If Black Celebs United

There are few names that are bigger in entertainment than JAY-Z and Kevin Hart. Both men are at the top of their respective crafts, and each is a business unto himself. Hart is a comedian who is selling out arenas, shepherding multiple companies and has generated more than $5 billion... Read more

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more

Redman Explains Why He Used To Keep A Tissue In His Nose

Redman is known for keeping it real. The New Jersey veteran MC/producer/DJ had a moment over 20 years with arguably the most memorable MTV Cribs episode. Reggie Noble invited audiences into his modest Staten Island, New York home—complete with a box of dollar bills, fish sticks in the freezer, and... Read more

The Tracklist For DJ Premier’s Upcoming EP Features Nas, Slick Rick & More

UPDATE: DJ Premier has confirmed the project arriving July 15. DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 features five songs, all produced by Preemo, arriving on Mass Appeal. The Gang Starr O.G. works with everlasting voices from the '80s, '90s, 2000s, and 2010s. The tracklist is as follows: Tracklisting: 1. "Lettin’ Off... Read more

Ice Cube Explains Why Lil Wayne Is The Best Rapper Of All-Time

Late last month, Ice Cube made a podcast appearance on On The Guest List. There, the legendary MC was asked about his opinion of other great MCs. Shortly after the 31:00 mark, the hosts ask the onetime member of N.W.A. and Westside Connection his opinion on the best rapper of... Read more

Killer Mike’s Video Is A Powerful Statement About Protecting Black Art

In the 2010s, Run The Jewels became one of the most exciting Hip-Hop groups. Across four albums, Killer Mike and El-P reignited their careers with a boisterous sound, hard rhymes, and amazing beats. However, before 2012, Mike had a successful career as a solo artist. Ushered in by OutKast, Killer... Read more

The D.O.C. Explains The Real Elements Of The Rap Formula

On his 1989 solo debut, No One Can Do It Better, The D.O.C. had a highlight single with "The Formula." The Dr. Dre-produced Ruthless/Atlantic Records track begins with the lyrics, "High energy flowin' with the wisdom / Sense of a rich man, knowledge and the rhythm / This is what... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff Says Will Smith Would Have Slapped Mike Tyson

In 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released the song "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson," the Rocky-inspired lead video single from their aptly-titled And In This Corner... album. Iron Mike appeared in the Jive/Zomba music video, and according to Jeff some years back, was not above... Read more

Kanye West & Sway’s Legendary Fight Is Mashed Up With Kendrick Lamar

On November 26, 2013, Kanye West appeared on Sway In The Morning for one of the show's most memorable episodes. While promoting that year's Yeezus album, Kanye got into an argument with host Sway Calloway that led to yelling, trembling, interruption, flared tempers, and an enduring catch-phrase, "How, Sway? You ain't got the answers!" The... Read more

Kanye West Praises Diddy As A Hero While Dressed Like A Supervillain

Twenty-five years ago, Diddy released No Way Out, his first album as an artist after serving as an executive and producer for others throughout the decade. Puff Daddy & The Family, his crew at the time, included The LOX, Ma$e, the late Black Rob—all featured on the cover art, and... Read more

Brandy & Jack Harlow Make Peace With A 1st Class BET Awards Performance

For weeks, Jack Harlow and Brandy have been in a playful war of words. It all began when, during a May 10 interview with HOT 97's Ebro, Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez, Harlow did not know who and artist was on a song that the hosts played while quizzing him.... Read more

Jill Scott Goes Bar For Bar With Conway & Holds Her Own

One of the better Hip-Hop albums of 2022 is Conway The Machine's God Don't Make Mistakes. Years in the making (with plans to arrive in late 2021), Conway's Shady Records solo debut is one of his most complete albums in an impressive and extensive catalog. Along with Griselda cohorts Westside... Read more

Eminem & Snoop Celebrate Their Peace By Battling EVERYBODY

A year and a half ago, things seemed bleak for Snoop Dogg and Eminem. Two of Dr. Dre's superstar proteges, who had made huge records together in the past, appeared to be at odds. The two artists used the media and verses to take shots at each other. A beef... Read more

Chance The Rapper & Joey Bada$$ Are Back In Mixtape Mode

A decade ago, in 2012, two of Hip-Hop's most exciting new voices were Chance The Rapper and Joey Bada$$. From Chicago, Illinois and Brooklyn, New York, respectively, these two MCs each brought something fresh to Hip-Hop, while honoring time-tested traditions. In the decade since his mixtape debut 10 Day, Chance... Read more

French Montana Shows He Can Really Rap On A Song With Jadakiss & Benny

French Montana has been a powerful force over the last decade-plus. The Moroccan-born, New York City-raised MC has released platinum and gold albums, and dropped a plethora of major singles alongside the likes of Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Diplo, Swae Lee, The Weeknd, and others. French has achieved commercial... Read more

The Top 20 Rap Albums Of All-Time As Determined By Millions Of Fans

Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop community reacted to the latest high-profile lists ranking the greatest Rap albums of all time. Rolling Stone magazine and a team of journalists and writers ranked 200 Hip-Hop LPs, prompting plenty of reaction. It was not the first list of this kind, and it certainly will not... Read more

Black Thought Freestyles Over Benny’s Beat & Butchers It

Earlier this month, West Philadelphia played host to the 20th Roots Picnic. There, The Roots crew shared the stage with Mary J. Blige and welcomed artists including DJ Jazzy Jeff & Rakim, Freddie Gibbs, Masego, Babyface Ray, and others to their two-day event. On Saturday (June 4), Black Thought and... Read more

Eminem’s Mind Is Blown As He Raps The D.O.C.’s Lyrics

This week, Hip-Hop veteran The D.O.C. has been in New York City promoting his eponymous documentary film, a debut feature from director David Caplan. The 94-minute doc' is currently screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. The piece covers The D.O.C.'s rise to Rap stardom, his tragic 1989 car accident, his... Read more

Pharrell Has Made The Most Creative Video & Beat Of The Year

While it has been five years since he or his groups have released an album, Pharrell Williams' 2022 is ramping up. In spring, he competed (and collaborated) with Kanye West in producing Pusha-T's chart-topping album, It's Almost Dry. Now, Skateboard P delivers a video single that shines within his incredible 25-plus-year music... Read more

CyHi’s Freestyle Shows Why He Is A GOAT Ghostwriter

This month, Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC CyHi released a four-track EP, EGOT. No longer officially using "The Prynce" in his name, CyHi's latest release follows 2017's acclaimed No Dope On Sundays—named among Ambrosia For Heads' best of that year. Nearly five years removed from that major-label drop, the highly-respected writer... Read more

CyHi The Prynce Disses Joe Budden On A Blistering Freestyle

For three and a half years, there has been tension brewing between Joe Budden and CyHi The Prynce. The MC-turned-media mogul has been critical of the former G.O.O.D. Music artist. In 2018, Budden criticized CyHi's relationship with Kanye West. “CyHi just tweeted yesterday, ‘Uh oh, masta’ said, I’m gettin’ seven... Read more

Isaiah Rashad Discusses Trying To Kill Himself

Last week, a video interview clip between Joe Budden and Isaiah Rashad marked the Tennessee MC's first public reaction to at least one videotape leaked in February. In that clip, the Top Dawg Entertainment artist spoke about his sexuality, his current relationship, and if he would be pursuing legal action... Read more

Symba Makes The Best Case Ever For Who’s The GOAT

Bay Area Rap veteran Symba is still making an introduction after over a decade in the game. Having worked with Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz, the Antioch, California native landed at Atlantic Records (after time spent at Sony) with a fervor for the mic. His latest single "GOAT" is... Read more

Isaiah Rashad Addresses The Leaked Videotape That Changed His Life

In February of this year, TDE artist Isaiah Rashad allegedly appeared in a leaked personal videotape. In the video, a man appearing to be the 31-year-old Chattanooga, Tennessee MC was engaged in sex acts with another man. Rashad, who released The House Is Burning in 2021, has remained silent on the... Read more