AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Drake Responds To Joe Budden & Pumps Up The Beef (Audio)

It has taken more than two weeks since Joe Budden launched a diss campaign against Drake with the release of "Making A Murderer (Part 1)," for the Toronto MC to respond. A Rap battle that started in late June is now officially two-sided. On Drake's OVO Radio Show on Beats... Read more

Underground Hip-Hop Is Very Much Alive In 2016. One DJ Mixes It All Together.

Often times, the glory days of Underground Hip-Hop appears coincidental with the booming resurgence of vinyl records in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Out of a movement spearheaded by radio personalities such as Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, and Sway and King Tech, a crop of hungry artists emerged that... Read more

Joe Budden Explains Why He Dissed Drake & Warns He’s Well Prepared For ANY Response (Audio)

At the top of June, Drake shocked the Hip-Hop space when he apparently dissed Joe Budden and Puff Daddy on a la carte release "4PM In Calabasas." For Joe's part, the lines were presumed to be a response to Budden's criticism of Views on his "I'll Name This Podcast Later" (Episode... Read more

Tavis Smiley Explains Why Brexit Could Mean America’s Downfall (Video)

Tavis Smiley is a celebrated journalist, interviewer, radio personality, author, and business man whose illustrious career has lasted for more than two decades. As a recent guest on Sway in the Morning, he brought to the table his insight on a far-reaching selection of topics, as his expertise is well... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Is A Freestyle Supa Star Over Classic DJ Premier (Video)

Legendary New York City radio personality Funkmaster Flex recently launched a new series on his program that keeps the freestyle format simple. Its first episode, "Freestyle #001" featured Pro Era's Nyck Caution, the Brooklyn MC whose recent mixtape Disguise the Limit has garnered critical acclaim. On its third installment, Flex... Read more

11 Must-Listen To Albums, EPs & Mixtapes So Far In 2016

Approaching this year's midpoint, there has been some incredible music that will be appreciated long beyond 2016. Like the art itself, the year that is has represented some tectonic shifts in how works are released, consumed, and ranked on the charts. Grammy Award-winning artists are dropping albums without warning—with videos ready to... Read more

New Allegations Surface Casting A Different Light On The Troy Ave Shooting

Last week (May 25), a fatal shooting transpired at New York City's Irving Plaza. During a show billed to feature performances by T.I., Anderson .Paak, Maino and Uncle Murda, a green room altercation took place that left at least three wounded and one—Ronald "Banga" McPhatter--dead. In the hours following the... Read more

Run-DMC & Aerosmith Reveal Why They Didn’t Want To “Walk This Way”

Thirty years ago this month, Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith teamed for "Walk This Way." Eleven years after the Boston, Massachusetts band recorded the initial version of their single, its creators—Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would learn that the drums (courtesy of Joey Kramer) had been re-appropriated by the Hip-Hop community. As... Read more

This MC Dared To Put His Lyricism Against Jay Electronica’s & Then Spit Tabasco Flows (Video)

Citrons are to lemons what Matt is to Hip-Hop: his music is clearly influenced by and related to the familiar, but the fruit he bears is not exactly the same thing we're accustomed to. A 22-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia, Matt Citron is an MC with a distinctive flow and... Read more

Asian MCs Have A Tougher Road In Rap. This Documentary Shows Why (Video)

Hip-Hop has long been considered a cultural melting pot. While the culture was established by Black and Latino men and women in 1970s New York, it has since grown to include nearly every racial, socioeconomic, age, and religious background across the globe. A new full-length documentary film, currently screening at... Read more

Afrika Bambaataa Denies All Allegations Of Molestation & Calls Claims Baseless

For the first time since Bronx judicial delegate, and former New York State Democratic Committeeman, Ronald Savage accused Hip-Hop pioneer and co-founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa, of sexually molesting him in the 1970s, as a teenage boy, Bambaataa has spoken out against the claims. In a statement... Read more

Black Thought Speaks About The Roots Picnic And New Music On The Way With Royce, 9th Wonder & Eminem

For nearly 30 years, Black Thought and Questlove have been performing together, as The Roots. In that time, they have released 16 albums and EPs, performed at tens of thousands of shows, and entertained millions nightly, as the band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The expanse and quality... Read more

Bahamadia Speaks On Artistic Integrity & Hip-Hop Womanhood, 20 Years After Kollage (Interview)

On April 2, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC known as Bahamadia celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Kollage. From her early success on radio to arriving where she is now, Bahamadia carries along with her the observations made along the way. However, the major milestones in her career are... Read more

Bahamadia Speaks On Artistic Integrity & Hip-Hop Womanhood, 20 Years After Kollage (Interview)

On April 2, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC known as Bahamadia celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Kollage. From her early success on radio to arriving where she is now, Bahamadia carries along with her the observations made along the way. However, the major milestones in her career are not always... Read more

Bumpy Knuckles Warns That Another Industry Shakedown Is Coming

Sixteen years ago this June, Bumpy Knuckles released Industry Shakedown. The Long Island, Njakew York MC/producer previously known as Freddie Foxxx had not released an album since 1989's Freddie Foxxx Is Here and vented his frustrations on the music industry on this grassroots album. Featuring production from DJ Premier, Pete... Read more

J. Prince & Bun B Discuss Rap-A-Lot Records Ties To Death Row & Beyonce (Video)

2016 marks 30 years since James "J." Prince launched Rap-A-Lot Records. The Houston, Texas-based independent label would go on to achieve #1 albums, numerous platinum plaques, and a hand in the careers of artists ranging from Scarface to Drake, Tha Outlawz to Trae Tha Truth. The label's founder is notoriously... Read more

Nas’ Illmatic vs. Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele. Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

Just Blaze Plays Some Unreleased Jay Electronica, Busta & M.O.P. And More In A Mix (Video)

Earlier this week (March 7), Just Blaze stopped by the studio to spin a nearly hour-long set for DJ City, after which the Paterson, New Jersey record producer and master of the decks indulged his hosts with an interview. DJ City, a digital record pool for DJ professionals - is... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Dr. Dre’s The Chronic vs. Outkast’s Stankonia. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

Nas Details That Time He & Biggie Were Supposed to Collaborate (Video)

"Gimme the Loot" is a Hip-Hop staple, a classic piece of the Notorious B.I.G.'s repertoire from what is arguably one of the most influential debut albums in history. But what some may not know is that 1994's Ready to Die almost inspired a remix to the song featuring Nas, another young MC who also... Read more

Royce 5’9″ Is Releasing a New Solo Album & It’s His Best Work Ever. This Video Shows It.

Royce 5'9" (as it is now officially stylized) is releasing his sixth solo album, Layers, on April 15, 2016, his first in nearly 5 years. Distributed through his own Bad Half Entertainment, the Mr. Porter and Royce executive-produced LP delves deeply into the many sides of the Detroit, Michigan veteran... Read more

L.A. Reid is the Man Behind Outkast & TLC. Listen To How It All Came to Be (Audio)

Antonia L.A. Reid stands tall as one of the most influential players in the music industry. Heads love him for introducing such acts as Outkast and TLC to a broad audience, but he's put in more than three decades of work into the careers of others, as well. Having essentially... Read more

Rick Rubin Shares Memories Of His First Time Ever Recording With LL Cool J

LL Cool J's career is greatly owed to Rick Rubin, at least his discovery. And perhaps Rick Rubin's own success is largely owed to the gravitas of LL Cool J. The breakthrough Def Jam Records artist would be one of the earliest label acts, on the fledgling imprint launched by... Read more

Kanye West Explains Why He Blew Up On Sway & Just How Deep The Question “HOW SWAY??” Was

Throughout the last dozen years, Kanye West lyrics have dealt a lot with wealth and finances. On The Life Of Pablo, "No More Parties In L.A." is a series of verses: "A 38-year-old eight-year-old with rich nigga problems / Tell my wife that I hate the Rolls so I don't... Read more

Drake Responds to Obama’s Claim That Kendrick Lamar Would Beat Him In A Battle (Audio)

Drake has been under siege from all sides over the last 12 months. Though the Toronto MC has grown accustomed to MCs, singers and fans throwing shots at him, the sneak attack from Meek Mill, his former collaborator, calling into question whether Drake wrote his own rhymes, was on a... Read more

“12 Years a Slave” Writer John Ridley Is Turning Real-Life Tragedy Into Powerful Forms of Art (Audio)

John Ridley is an award-winning screenwriter whose celebrated works in film include 12 Years a Slave, a powerful film for which he won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Longtime fans of his love him for the writing he did on iconic television shows like The Fresh Prince... Read more

Chance the Rapper Says Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq Film Is An “Oversimplification Of A Bigger Problem” (Video)

Over the last couple of weeks, acclaimed film director Spike Lee has been on a serious press junket to promote his latest film, Chi-Raq. The film itself is a study of Chicago's notorious South Side, where gun violence has led to so many deaths, it has become a deadlier place... Read more

DJ Hollywood Tells Ice-T What He Says Is The True Story Of Hip-Hop’s Origins (Audio)

On the latest episode of his Final Level podcast, Ice T chats with DJ Hollywood, the legendary Harlem DJ whose work in the '70s and '80s helped elevate Hip-Hop culture from obscurity to relevance, a story far too unfamiliar in music lore. Along with co-host Mick Benzo, Ice took the... Read more

Sheek Louch Discusses Silverback Gorilla 2 & Talks Working With Biggie and DMX (Interview)

Whereas speaking to Jadakiss or Styles P is often a lower key experience, their LOX band-mate Sheek Louch is high-energy. The Yonkers, New York veteran MC did not equate himself to one of the most ferocious members of the animal kingdom by being docile. In the Tommy Boy Entertainment conference... Read more

Busta Rhymes, Puff Daddy, Mary J. Blige To Rock The Jingle Bells In Newark

Hot97, one of the nation's preeminent Hip-Hop radio stations, has announced a holiday celebration featuring a massive line-up that includes headliner Busta Rhymes as well as Puff Daddy, Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige, French Montana, Sean Paul, and Jeremih. Taking place on Saturday, December 5, the "Hot for the Holidays"... Read more

Q-Tip, Dave Chappelle, Leo DiCaprio & Chris Rock Talk Beats, Rhymes & Life, Literally. (Audio)

That's right. An Oscar-nominated actor, two legendary comedic geniuses, and an integral architect of Hip-Hop in one place, at one time. For many, the combination of Dave Chappelle, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Rock, and Q-Tip sounds like the answer to "if you could sit four celebrities into a room to hear... Read more

Long Before KRS-One Stepped to PM Dawn, Melle Mel Bumrushed Him On Stage (Video)

Last night, TV and radio personality Sway was a guest for the second time on FOX's series Empire, and he made an inside reference for Hip-Hop Heads, regarding KRS-One and PM Dawn. Fans of KRS undoubtedly recognized Sway's passing comment as a nod to an infamous incident in 1993 when... Read more

D.M.C. Once Contemplated Suicide. From Adoption To J.M.J.’s Death, He Embodies Triumph (Video)

Last week, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels stopped by CBC Radio to sit down with Shadrach Kabango (also known by his MC name, Shad) for an interview on Kabango's Q program. For more than 45 minutes, the two discussed the Hip-Hop pioneer's life and career, both past and present. Clad in an... Read more

It’s Been 19 Years Since We Lost Tupac Shakur. Re-Live His Brilliance (Audio)

Nineteen years ago today (September 13, 1996), Tupac Amaru Shakur was pronounced dead in a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital. In his final year of life, 'Pac transcended from incarcerated poet to Rap's reigning superstar. In his wake, the MC left some of the most dramatic, fiery, and profound music and... Read more

Scarface Explains Turning Down A Jay Z Reference Track 15 Years Ago

Early this month, Scarface released Deeply Rooted. The Let's Talk, LLC release is nearly seven years removed from 'Face's last studio solo, Emeritus. Speaking with VIBE magazine, the Houston, Texas native and Rap legend made some pointed remarks about the state of Hip-Hop music, especially in 2015. “There’s so much... Read more

RBX Reveals He Was The First To Leave Death Row & The First To Sign With Aftermath (Video)

"The Narrator" RBX is one of Rap's most distinct voices. While the MC has only one Top 200 album (1995's The RBX Files, a #62 debut), he is widely recognized for his appearances on widely-considered classics. From The Chronic to Doggystyle to The Marshall Mathers LP, the Long Beach, California... Read more

Dallas Penn & Rafi Kam Get A Food Desert Instead Of Dessert In A Visit To East New York (Video)

On Gang Starr's "Speak Ya Clout," Group Home's Lil Dap urged his crew to meet him at Broadway Junction. The Brooklyn, New York train intersection in East New York is a commonplace stop for many metropolitan commuters, but hardly a destination for foodies. The off-beat New York City bloggers, culturists,... Read more

Mr. Serv-On Says He, Master P & 1990s No Limit Soldiers Will Tour Together

Between 1996 and 2002, No Limit Records released a number of platinum, gold, and chart-topping albums. Master P's label, featuring a number of home-grown talents (TRU, Mr. Serv-On, Mia X, Skull Duggery) would sprout to include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and Young Bleed. Launched in 1991, the label would be instrumental... Read more

Lupe Fiasco Says Commercialism Has Ruined Hip-Hop, Not Ghostwriting

Over the course of the last several days, the topic of ghostwriting has entered the conversation about Hip-Hop in a very powerful way. As a trending topic across several social-media platforms (due largely to Meek Mill's public accusation of Drake, who he claims is a used a writer for the... Read more

Scarface Has Been Recently Hospitalized, Willie D Comments

In the midst of the latest Geto Boys reunion, Scarface has been hospitalized. The Houston, Texas MC icon was taken to area hospital following June 29's Geto Boys concert in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today (July 7), a representative for Sony Red (Rap-A-Lot Records' current distributor) confirmed the reports. Beginning June 30,... Read more

Shad Remains One Of Hip-Hop’s Best Kept Secrets, 10 Years Deep

Ten years ago today (June 10), Shadrach Kabango, more widely known as Shad, had a box delivered to his parent’s house in London, Ontario, Canada. As he recalled today via Facebook, the box contained the first CD pressings of his debut album, When This Is Over, which he would take... Read more

Lost Ones: How A Flood Destroyed Inspectah Deck’s RZA-Produced Solo Debut (Video)

Listen to Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Like, really listen hard. Then, listen to Wu-Tang Forever. All of it, both discs. Revisiting those 1990s Rap gems should not come as a menial task to many. However, the contents of those two Loud Records releases are rich soil for debate. Often... Read more

DJ Red Alert Explains How The Bridge Wars Began, Tells His Story (Audio)

Fresh off of DJ Kool Herc's groundbreaking interview with The Combat Jack Show, another Hip-Hop pioneer is profiled extensively. Kool DJ Red Alert is Combat's guest this week. The Harlem, New York native (not Bronx, as often reported) opens up about his career trajectory, the radio wars evolving into "The... Read more

Mister Cee Reveals Slick Rick Once Fully Stepped to Big Daddy Kane…Strapped (Audio)

DJ Mister Cee is the latest guest on Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast/show. In Part 2 (Part 1 ran earlier this month), The Finisher speaks to his friends and former HOT 97 colleagues in depth about the two figures most closely associated with the Brooklyn, New York... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Busta Rhymes vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH's bracket-style series towards... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): DMX vs. Joe Budden…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Method Man vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

Prince Paul On Which Grammy Album He Got No Credit For, Magic Of Gravediggaz (Audio)

In Hip-Hop production, Prince Paul may be one of the quiet giants. Much like some of the music he's provided for himself and others, Paul Huston is whimsical, at times silly, and yet incredibly soulful. In a sentence filled with laughter and maybe some jokes of his own, the Long... Read more

Surprise, Surprise. Kendrick Lamar’s New Album is Out Now! (News)

In yet another sign of the ever-changing record business in the digital age, Top Dawg Entertainment has delivered a very welcomed surprise to the Hip-Hop world. Kendrick Lamar's new album, To Pimp A Butterfly, which was originally slated for release on March 23, is now fully available for purchase. Nothing... Read more