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In 2008, Black Thought, Styles P & Mos Def United To Elevate Hip-Hop

By 2008, the legendary Roots crew were already well established as Hip-Hop's hardest working band. During the mid-2000s, the Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based group was transitioning its mood. The collective's eighth studio album Rising Down followed the darker, sometimes angsty themes of 2006's Game Theory. In an election year, the... Read more

Freddie Gibbs Draws Depictions Of Bandana Songs & He Goes Hard In The Paint (Video)

Freddie Gibbs is a ferocious MC who raps about the ills of hustling, gangland, and no-strings-attached romance. However, the Gary, Indiana veteran has a sense of humor. That wit regularly makes its way into similes and metaphors in lyrics, and music videos like 2018's "Automatic," where he played a dirty... Read more

Three Times Dope Lived Up To The Name With This 1988 Braggadocious Gem (Video)

The City of Brotherly Love has always been a bastion of Hip-Hop culture. From an early graffiti scene to the pioneering Gangsta Rap of Schoolly D, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania gave the world a diverse and unique perspective of what East Coast Hip-Hop looked like outside of five boroughs of New York.... Read more

Black Thought, Yasiin Bey & Freddie Gibbs Educate MCs Over A Madlib Beat

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads fight 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, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to... Read more

Madlib & Freddie Gibbs’ Bandana Tracklist Features Yasiin Bey, Pusha & Black Thought

This Friday (June 28), Madlib & Freddie Gibbs are releasing their sophomore collaborative album, Bandana. Following three preliminary songs and one music video, the Oxnard, California-to-Gary, Indiana pair has unveiled the tracklist to the Keep Cool/RCA Records release. Notably, it reveals that the March drop, "Bandana" is not included among... Read more

Benny & Black Thought Are Rap Kings Slicing Up The Competition (Audio)

Benny and his Griselda family have everybody’s attention right now. From their impending Shady Records debut, a video single with DJ Premier, to upcoming solo albums from each member, these Buffalo, New York MCs have built an undeniable buzz. Now, as much press and praise as the team has gotten... Read more

Common Uses A J Dilla Beat To Show His Love For HER Is Strong As Ever (Video)

At the beginning of this month, Common was a surprise guest at the 12th-annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. Back in the late 1990s, the MC who was making Like Water For Chocolate at the same time his friends were making Things Fall Apart. The SoulQuarians worked on both albums, so... Read more

Recordings By Eminem, Tupac, Rakim & The Roots Were Secretly Destroyed In Fire

Eleven years ago this month, a fiery blaze at Universal Studios Hollywood made national news. The flames started following a blowtorch repair to some homes used in old film and television shows. As the fire grew, a King Kong attraction was damaged. Reports also circulated that an archive of old... Read more

Black Thought, Yasiin Bey, Pharoahe Monch & Tobe Nwigwe Make A New Live At The BBQ

Yesterday (June 1), The Roots hosted their 12th-annual picnic in the legendary group's hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event moved this year to the Mann Center, in the same West Philly that Questlove represents. With active three stages, the day was filled with incredible performances, including a 20th-anniversary rendition of... Read more

Common Premieres A J Dilla-Produced Song About The State Of Hip-Hop In 2019

Since the release of his 1994 song "I Used To Love H.E.R.," Common has had a complex and well-documented relationship with Hip-Hop. At first listen, the song played like Common Sense's ode to a woman with whom he'd had a life long affair, which was a love-hate relationship. At the... Read more

A New Documentary Explains D’Angelo’s 14-Year Absence From The Music Scene (Video)

Despite being one of the most acclaimed vocalists, musicians, and producers of the last 25 years, D'Angelo has released only three studio albums during his career. The 45-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer born Michael Archer debuted with 1995's Brown Sugar, before 1998's Voodoo, before taking 14 years to follow up with... 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

80s vs. 90s Hip-Hop: Which Is Better? A New Video Shows It’s All Love

Today is Valentine’s Day. For many Heads, love is in the air. So, what better way to celebrate than to premiere a brand new medley of iconic Hip-Hop love songs from top acapella group Naturally 7. For those unfamiliar with this New York City outfit, Ambrosia For Heads previously premiered... Read more

DJ Quik Says Suge Knight Had Diddy’s Child’s Mother In His Room After The Source Awards

On August 3, 1995, that year's Source Awards took place at Madison Square Gardens' Paramount Theater. The event is seismic in Rap music history, as it marks the shots heard 'round, disses from the podium at the magazine's event. In the aftermath of the situation, for those in attendance and... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 13): Royce 5’9 vs. Black Thought

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

You Have Decided The Final 4 Best Albums Of 2018. Here They Are.

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Snoop Dogg Reveals The Original Beat For Nuthin But A G Thang & Raps To It

UPDATE: DJ Filthy Rich made a blend of the song, based on the Questlove Supreme conversation:  ORIGINAL DECEMBER 19 STORY: The second song Snoop Dogg ever released to the public may be his most iconic. "One-two-three-and to the fo' / Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Dr. Dre is at the... Read more

Black Thought Performs His Solo Material But The Roots Still Have His Back

Black Thought delivered not one but two solo projects in 2018, more than satisfying a very devoted and patient fan-base. While both volumes in the Streams Of Thought series featured dazzling wordplay and quote-worthy lyricism, they each had their unique sound behind them. The June-released Volume 1 featured production from... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 9): Black Thought vs. Jay Rock

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Styles P Explains Why Black Thought Is The Most Dangerous MC Alive

Earlier this year, Black Thought and Styles P's remarkable collaboration finally found a project to belong to. At the top of June, The Roots' front-man joined 9th Wonder & The Soul Council for Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1. Heads did not know it two years earlier when "Making Of A... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 1): Black Thought vs. Masta Ace & Marco Polo

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

Black Thought Says He Is The Hip-Hop People’s Champ In A League Of His Own

One week ago, Black Thought released the second installment of his Streams Of Thought album series. Salaam Remi, the Queens, New Yorker recognized for his extensive work with Amy Winehouse and Nas, produces this new project. Ahead of the release, Tariq Trotter released the visual to "Conception," featuring his singing... Read more

Black Thought & Salaam Remi Explain Why Thought’s New Album Sounds Different

This morning (November 26), Black Thought released his second album of 2018. That project, Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation, is entirely produced by Salaam Remi. The Queens, New Yorker and past "Producer Of The Year" Grammy nominee is known for his acclaimed work with Amy Winehouse, Nas, The Fugees,... Read more

Black Thought Wastes No Time Releasing His Second Solo Album Of 2018

At the top of June, Black Thought released his first ever solo project. Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 was years in the making for The Roots' Grammy Award-winning MC. More than two years after Tariq Trotter dropped the 9th Wonder-producer "Making A Murderer" with Styles P, he offered up that... 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

Black Thought Is A Top Notch MC. His New Song Shows He’s A Great Singer Too (Audio)

UPDATE: The YouTube version of Black Thought's "Conception" video: ORIGINAL NOVEMBER 19 STORY: In eight days, Black Thought is releasing his second project of 2018. November 26's Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation will be produced by Salaam Remi (Nas, The Fugees, Amy Winehouse, etc.) as Thought confirmed in the... Read more

Black Thought Is Releasing His Next Solo Project In Less Than 2 Weeks

In June, Black Thought partnered with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council to release Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1. The moment marked the first solo vocal project from The Roots MC. One of Hip-Hop's most respected lyricists has just confirmed reports that he has another installment on the way—and he's... Read more

Reef The Lost Cauze’s Video Shows What’s Golden About Hip-Hop Can Never Fade Away

Bearing a lengthy Hip-Hop resume, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based MC, Reef The Lost Cauze (born Sharif Lacey) is a certified authority when it comes to the genre. From the Army Of The Pharaohs (A.O.T.P.) member's  early days of battling, to his various mixtapes and albums, a current six-year window of podcasting, and... Read more

Soulquarians Member, Trumpeter Roy Hargrove Passes Away At 49

Two-time Grammy Award-winning Jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove has passed away at the age of 49 years old. He suffered a fatal heart attack Friday night (November 2) in New York City after being admitted to a hospital for kidney failure. NPR confirmed the news with Hargrove's manager, Larry Clothier. Although... Read more

Jimmy Fallon Details How He Convinced The Roots To Be His Show’s House Band (Video)

Next March marks a decade for The Roots and Jimmy Fallon working together five nights a week. The partnership began in 2009 when the Grammy Award-winning band from Philadelphia joined The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon in the midst of one of their strongest album-making strides. That relationship carried over... Read more

Black Thought Speaks About His Mother’s Murder & How Hip-Hop Saved Him (Audio)

Black Thought gives one of the best interviews of his career while speaking to Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito for their What's Good podcast. The iconic Hip-Hop hosts and their guests know one another. It was 24 years ago this month that Tariq Trotter got into a car in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... Read more

Black Thought, Phonte & Rhymefest Have Formed A Super-Group

Producer S1 (aka Symbolyc One) has worked with some of the biggest and brightest in Hip-Hop. He is one-third of Waco, Texas group the Strange Fruit Project. Outside of that, S1 co-produced Kanye West's "Power," Eminem's "Bad Guy," The Game's "Last Time You Seen," and Royce 5'9's recent hit, "Caterpillar."... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Wu-Tang Clan. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility... Read more

Which One Of These 8 Hip-Hop Groups Will Be Named The Best Of All-Time?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot was reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Mannie Fresh & More To Perform At 7th Annual Hiero Day

The 7th annual Hiero Day Music Festival & Block Party is taking place Labor Day, September 3. The event performers have officially been unveiled. Oakland, California's legendary Hieroglyphics crew will be performing at their festival, and joining them will be Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Freddie Gibbs, Mannie Fresh, Elzhi, Georgia... Read more

Rakim, Black Thought & Pharoahe Monch Will Record A Live Mixtape Onstage

Three of the most respected veteran MCs are coming together to make some history. Throughout the 2010s, DJ J. Period has assembled live mixtapes. He's orchestrated these incredible performances on revered stages, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. These guest-driven affairs have become fixtures at events like The Roots... Read more

B-Real’s Next Solo Album Will Be Produced By Scott Storch

Things are ramping up in the Cypress Hill camp. Tomorrow, DJ Muggs is releasing Dia Del Asesinato, his latest Soul Assassins creation. Meanwhile, last week, C.H. gave fans the first real taste of next month's Elephants On Acid album. The psychedelic video single "Band Of Gypsies" shows the crew with... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: Black Star vs. The Roots. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

Black Thought Explains Why Kool G Rap’s “Road To The Riches” Is His Favorite Verse (Video)

In 2004, The Roots released their sixth album, The Tipping Point. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania group's final album for Geffen Records contained an Easter egg of sorts for Hip-Hop Heads. The Dice Raw-assisted "Boom!" featured band front-man Black Thought paying homage to two of his MC inspirations: Big Daddy Kane and... Read more

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot was reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Atmosphere. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

Scott Storch Explains His Role On Dr. Dre’s 2001 & Defends Dre’s Production Contributions (Video)

Scott Storch's documentary Still Storch reveals a lot of things about the producer. On the surface, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native is talented and was able to use his ability as a musician to create some of the biggest hits of the late '90s and 2000s. He also let the fortune... Read more

Black Thought Delivers His Most Powerful Verse Ever, In Tribute To Trayvon Martin (Video)

Black Thought is at the top of his game, and he knows it. His first solo project, the 9th Wonder & Soul Council-produced Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1, has garnered critical acclaim, including from AFH. At a time when Tariq Trotter says he feels as though he has never been... Read more

Scott Storch’s Documentary Covers The Highs & Lows Of 1 Of Dr. Dre’s Muses (Video)

Many Hip-Hop fans may know Scott Storch from his beats. During the late 1990s, 2000s, and even current day, the former Roots member has been responsible for the sounds of some of Rap's chart-topping hits. From the keyboard line on Dr. Dre's "Still D.R.E." to Beyonce's "Me, Myself And I,"... Read more

Black Thought, Snoop & Slug Buy Out Theater Screenings For Sorry To Bother You

Boots Riley’s directorial debut, Sorry To Bother You is in theaters now. Collaborators and peers from Boots' Rap career have become major supporters of the film in different ways. Black Thought, Snoop Dogg, and Atmosphere's Slug bought out showings in their respective areas, offering free tickets to fans, to ensure... Read more

Black Thought Assists Roots Affiliate Mumu Fresh In A Moving Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

For the latest in their Tiny Desk series, NPR recruits DMV artist Mumu Fresh who, despite her name, is already a seasoned veteran when it comes to the local cubicle concert. In February, Mumu teamed up with August Greene, the super-group featuring Common, Karriem Riggins, and Robert Glasper, in a... Read more

A Tribe Called Quest’s Final Video Is Now Available For All To See

Three months ago, A Tribe Called Quest released their final music video, "The Space Program." However, the late March visual accompaniment to 2016's We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service album was only available to some platform subscribers. Now, the incredible farewell video (dedicated to the late Phife... Read more

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Freestyle Fellowship. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

Black Thought Discusses His New Album, Epic Freestyle & Years Of Putting In Work (Video)

This past weekend (June 2), The Roots hosted their 11th annual picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sadly, just moments into their headlining jam session, hosted by Dave Chappelle, rain, flooding, and lightning storms halted a highly-anticipated affair. However, one day before (June 1), Black Thought showered Hip-Hop Heads with Streams Of... Read more