AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Del The Funky Homosapien & Living Legends Shine On A 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

Dilated Peoples’ Rakaa, Zion I’s Zumbi & Living Legends’ Sunspot Jonz Kick Chess Raps (Audio)

Hip-Hop and chess go hand-in-hand, word to DJ Quik. A lot of your favorite MCs, DJs, and producers love to apply lessons learned of the 64 squares to life and competitive art. Dilated Peoples' Rakaa Iriscience, Zion I's Zumbi, and Living Legends' Sunspot Jonz link with the Hip-Hop Chess Federation... Read more

Living Legends: Big Daddy Kane (Audio/Video Playlist)

"The name Kane is superior to many people. It means King Asiatic Nobody's Equal." No truer words were ever spoken, even though they were from the man, himself. Along with Rakim, Kane has had one of the most enduring influences on Hip-Hop as we know it today, having been one... Read more

Living Legends: Missy Elliott

"Me, I'm supa fly!" With those 4 words, Missy Elliott changed the landscape of Hip-Hop, particularly its depiction of women, forever. In 1997, Missy burst onto the scene with her single The Rain and brought a new sing-songy flow, effortlessly shifting from singing to rhyming then back again, as well... Read more

Living Legends: Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Audio Playlist)

Pete Rock has long gotten credit for being one of the most influential hip-hop producers of all time. Recently, there has also been a bit of a spike in interest in Pete Rock & CL Smooth, particularly in light of their announcement that they are remaking their classic Mecca &... Read more

Living Legends: Queen Latifah (Video Playlist)

All hail the Queen...Latifah, that is. As one of the first ladies of hip-hop, she blazed the trail not only for women MCs but also for positivity and self-respect in hip-hop. After nearly 25 years in the game, her reign continues as an artist, actress and overall luminary. Today, we... Read more

Living Legends: Yasiin Bey (Playlist)

Dante Smith. Mos Def. Yasiin Bey. No matter the name, it still equals the same result--DOPE MC. The gifted rapper, singer and actor has been in the game for more than 20 years both as a solo artist and as a member of groups like Urban Thermo Dynamics and, of... Read more

Living Legends: MC Lyte (Playlist)

Having been in the game 25 years strong, there is still no MC (male or female) who rhymes harder than MC Lyte. She is the latest hip-hop Living Legend who's contribution to the culture we celebrate. Check out the (mostly) video playlist of some of Lyte's toughest joints below. Related:... Read more

Living Legends: Lauryn Hill (Playlist)

Although she is arguably THE GREATEST DOUBLE THREAT OF ALL TIME (MC and singer--and let's not forget actor...), people still sometimes forget just how incredible an artist Lauryn Hill is. Not here, not today. Here's a playlist celebrating the illustrious career of Living Legend Lauryn Hill. Listen to the playlist... Read more

Living Legends: Ice Cube (Playlist)

After more than 25 years in the game, there is no question the OG Ice Cube is a living legend. Before acting, producing and becoming a media mogul, Cube was one of the most powerful and political voices in hip-hop. During a time of raging gang wars, police brutality and... Read more

Living Legends: De La Soul (Playlist)

As we approach the 24th anniversary of the release of De La Soul's game-changing 3 Feet High and Rising album (released in March 1989), it's just plain ridiculous how little recognition they get as one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time. Not only did De La revolutionize the... Read more

Living Legends: Grand Puba (Playlist)

There are few MCs that are more overlooked in discussions of the great ones than Grand Puba. Whether solo or as part of Brand Nubian, Puba's buttery and distinctive flow always leaps out and makes an incredible impression. Here's a (mostly video) playlist celebrating the one and only Grand Puba... Read more

Living Legends: Here’s a playlist celebrating the 18+ year career of OutKast (Audio)

How do you say Living Legends with one word? OutKast. Big Boi and Andre 3000 completely re-shaped the perception of hip-hop, particularly Southern hip-hop, when their album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik dropped in 1994 and they've continued to change the game for 18 years strong. Though they haven't released an album together since... Read more

Living Legends: A Playlist Celebrating the Career of the One and Only Rakim (Playlist)

Watching Rakim perform last night (see footage below) was a reminder of why he has nicknames like the God MC and Rakim Allah. There was a good 5-10 year stretch where there was NO QUESTION who the GOAT was. The debate started at #2, after the R. For these reasons... Read more

Scarface kicks off the first playlist in our new Living Legends series dedicating to celebrating Hip-Hop icons that have not received their proper shine lately. You can listen to a playlist that highlights 2 decades of Scarface music below (Playlist)

The loss of MCA was a reminder of how much love we show to fallen hip-hop legends. It's time to show some to the LIVING Legends too. We're kicking off a new series of playlists where we celebrate those hip-hop icons still with us (especially those who may not have... Read more

Souls Of Mischief Freestyle New Verses To 93 Til Infinity

The Souls Of Mischief have been celebrating 30 years of Hip-Hop respect with the fans that provided it. Tajai, A-Plus, Phesto Dee, and Opio are in the midst of a tour with 93 stops (dates below) celebrating the 30th anniversary of 93 Til' Infinity, the quartet's acclaimed debut album—and its... Read more

Logic Has Made It Hard To Like Him & It’s Not Just Joe Budden

Among chart-topping Hip-Hop artists of the last decade, Logic is arguably the most polarizing. The Gaithersburg, Maryland native MC/producer who began as a DIY artist in the early 2010s Hip-Hop underground, has since gone on to achieve a wall full of platinum and gold plaques, was nominated for "Song Of... 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

Pete Rock Blasts Diddy For Disrespecting His Name

Two of Hip-Hop's most significant Mount Vernon, New York representatives are Pete Rock and Diddy—along with Heavy D & The Boyz. Both artists worked closely with Heavy, who is Pete's cousin to give "money-earnin' Mount Vernon" its recognition through music. Years after they cemented the city, there are also ongoing... Read more

Scarface’s Son Has Made An Incredible Sacrifice For His Father

Roughly one year ago, one of Hip-Hop's living legends revealed that he was fighting for his life. Last October, Scarface, aka Brad Jordan, asked the world for a kidney donation. 'Face, who had already battled COVID-19 during March of 2020, had endured a fight that was so strong that it... Read more

Zion I MC Zumbi Has Passed Away At Age 49

Hip-Hop has suffered another loss. Zion I co-founder Zumbi, aka Steve Gaines, has died at age 49 on Friday (August 13). The veteran Oakland, California MC's family confirmed the news yesterday. "It is with utter disbelief and great sadness that the Gaines family shares the news of the passing of... Read more

Double K Of Hip-Hop Group People Under The Stairs Has Died

Hip-Hop Heads woke up to tragic news on Sunday morning (January 31). Double K, born Michael Turner, of the Los Angeles, California Hip-Hop duo People Under The Stairs, has died. While no cause of death has been made public, it is believed that Turner was 43 years old. P.U.T.S has... Read more

Is Ice Cube Still True To The Game?

Less than three weeks before the upcoming election, Ice Cube made his way into the news through politics. On October 13, one of Donald Trump's advisors, Katrina Pierson, revealed online that Cube was working with the current administration's "platinum plan." She praised the MC-turned-mogul's actions and cooperation: Shoutout to @icecube... Read more

R.A. The Rugged Man Is A Hip-Hop Showman Who Rapped His Way From Loser To Legend

R.A. The Rugged Man knows how to grab eyeballs. The Long Island lyricist with the cult following announced his first album in nearly seven years today (January 15). So in sharing the good news, the respected MC leads with a video single that is captivating visually while offering a lot... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2019 (Battle 3): Gang Starr vs. Murs & 9th Wonder

Over the last couple of years, Ambrosia For Heads has asked our readers to help us determine the Best Rap Album for 2017 and 2018, respectively. In looking at the top music of 2019, we believe that instead of letting the Grammy Awards—a committee who does not know anything about... Read more

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2019 List

It is that season when “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured some remarkable music from artists across the landscape, 2019 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. There were reunions, surprise collaborations, and show-stopping debut albums. The year also featured innovative label compilations, unexpected... Read more

Murs, Grouch & Brady Watt Jam On The Street And Show The Meaning Of Gratitude (Video)

Living Legends co-founders Murs and The Grouch recently graced Heads with a collaborative effort titled Thees Handz, which is also the name this California duo are going by. Further, their lead single and video for the project was also entitled “Thees Handz.” Having given fans a few weeks to digest... Read more

King Los Kicks The Best Verse Of The Night In The Last Standing BET Cypher

Last night (October 8), BET broadcast the 2019 Hip Hop Awards. The event included a tribute to Lil' Kim (featuring a Junior M.A.F.I.A. reunion of sorts), performances by Rapsody, YBN Cordae, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, Rick Ross, and a salute to Battle Rap. Notably, a TV event recognized for... Read more

Murs Details Making The Iliad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over With 9th Wonder (Video)

Over the past 15 years, Murs and 9th Wonder have made some of the best collaboration albums between an MC and a producer. These works have become standouts in their respected catalogs. In the mix of both men's careers and personal lives, they carved out time to make The Iliad... Read more

Murs’ Next LP With 9th Wonder & The Soul Council Has A New Video & Release Date

Less than a month ago, Murs & 9th Wonder premiered two singles from the upcoming The Iliad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over at Ambrosia For Heads. "Ga$ Station Gucci Belt" (which Heads got a small taste of in late March) and "Night Shift" showed two different sides from... 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

Murs & 9th Wonder Have Recorded Their 7th Collabo Album. It’s Coming Soon

This March makes it 15 years since Murs and 9th Wonder partnered for Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition. Released on El-P's Definitive Jux label, the album united the Los Angeles, California lyricist from the Living Legends crew with the North Carolina producer/DJ known for Little Brother's exceptional introduction. For both... 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

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

Eligh, R.A. The Rugged Man & Eamon Chase The High Of Self-Love (Audio Premiere)

Eligh is one of the busiest members of the ultra-prolific Living Legends crew. This MC/producer has released more than 20 solo and collaborative albums since 1996. After a hiatus from 2006-2009, the Los Angelino came back reinvigorated and with a new perspective—thanks in large part, to sobriety. While he didn’t... Read more

Murs Is Starting A Residency At Duke University (Video)

The long-term partnership between Los Angeles, California MC Murs and producer 9th Wonder is taking a new turn, as the self-described "Captain California" heads to Duke University to start a week-long residency as part of its African and African American Studies program. Finding himself in a college setting is not... Read more

Murs Celebrates The MCs & Books That Taught Him He Is Powerful (Audio)

Murs is roughly six weeks away from his upcoming album, A Strange Journey Into The Unimaginable. Releasing on the veteran MC's March 16 birthday, the LP is a full collaboration with Missouri-based producer Michael "Seven" Summers, known for producing some of Tech N9ne's most celebrated work. The Strange Music album... Read more

Murs & 9th Wonder’s 3:16 Album Set An Everlasting Trend In Hip-Hop (Video)

Collaboration albums between Hip-Hop artists across style, geography, and subject matter have become more commonplace than ever. Creators from aesthetically different sub-genres who have joined forces in the recent past include Madlib and Freddie Gibbs, Vince Staples and No I.D., and Killer Mike and El-P's 2010s formation of Run The... Read more

DJ Premier Says He & Pete Rock May Be Exclusively Producing De La Soul’s Next Album (Video)

DJ Premier has had one of his busiest years in recent memory. The Gang Starr member released and produced albums by MC Eiht and Torii Wolf. He just followed those efforts with a video collaboration with A$AP Ferg, helping relaunch '90s Hip-Hop source Payday Records. Preemo is the latest guest... Read more

Why Kendrick Lamar & JAY-Z May Destroy Each Others Chances At Winning Album Of The Year

With the 60th Grammy Award nominations being announced this week, and just a little under two months away from crowning the respective victors, the collective post-nomination conversation from those within the music industry and fans alike, has been incredibly rich in both impression and speculation. For the very first time... Read more

A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

West Coast Hip-Hop is incredible. So many of its pioneers are still making albums, doing shows, and adding to their legacy. As a tribute to the Left Coast immense contributions to Hip-Hop, Take It Personal Radio has compiled a four-part episode dedicated to gangsta and underground Rap classics from the... Read more

DJ Quik & Scarface Confirm Upcoming Collaborative Project (Video)

DJ Quik and Scarface are two living legends of Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap, and music, period. Together, the two artists jammed on stage in The Novo in Los Angeles, California last night (August 17). With that show currently on the road, the Geto Boys icon and the producer for Tupac, 2nd... Read more

Murs Revives Paid Dues. Raekwon, Ghostface, PRhyme & More To Perform

Starting in 2006, Murs created and curated the Paid Dues Music Festival in and around Los Angeles, California. The Living Legends MC made a stage for many of his independent peers, friends, and acts whose music he liked. By 2007, Paid Dues teamed with Guerilla Union to do a full-on... Read more

Kid Capri Details Exactly How B.D.P. Hijacked The Stage From P.M. Dawn (Video)

Kid Capri's vocals can be heard multiple times on the current #1 album in the country. The Bronx, New York DJ, producer, and onetime MC put his voice on multiple tracks belonging to Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. In a career that spans 30 years of mixtapes, Def Comedy Jam, production for... Read more

Murs & Curtiss King Turn The Dating Game Into A Player Haters Ball (Video)

Earlier this month, Murs released his Captain California album. The L.A. veteran has showcased several moments from his latest Strange Music work, but none as sour-sweet as "Lemon Juice." The Curtiss King-assisted single now comes to visual with a Dating Game-theme. Both MCs appear dressed to impressed, as two bachelors... Read more

Murs Details Watching Biggie Smalls Lose A Rap Battle To An Unsigned MC (Video)

Many Heads have seen the footage of a pre-deal Biggie Smalls ripping into an opponent in his own neighborhood, outside a Brooklyn storefront (posted below). The Notorious B.I.G. was clearly a battle-tested MC who brought his confidence, wit, and commanding delivery to a decorated career that includes a diamond-certified double... Read more

Pete Rock & DJ Premier Compare Stories On Producing Jay Z, Nas & Biggie (Video)

DJ Premier and Pete Rock are reportedly working on a joint album. The two producers have shared credits, each producing classic singles for Nas' Illmatic. They've also positioned tracks alongside one another on LPs by Heavy D & The Boyz, Rakim, and Non-Phixion, among others. Even when they compete, the... Read more

Natia Has A Message For Copy-Cat Rappers & He Wants Blood On His Hands (Video)

Inglewood, California's Natia carries with him many of the artistic earmarks of other Californians like Hieroglyphics, Living Legends, Freestyle Fellowship, and The Pharcyde. He's maniacal in the best way - lyrical, offbeat, and message-driven. But any referential qualities he may have to artists like Del The Funkee Homosapien or Fatlip... Read more

Murs Uses Kanye West As A Metaphor For The Stress We’re All Facing (Video)

Murs is just days away from his second Strange Music solo album, Captain California. The veteran, with histories tied to Def Jux, Rhymesayers and his own Living Legends squad moves towards a March 10 LP with a powerful single. "God Bless Kanye West" may sound like its simply about 'Ye,... Read more

Big Daddy Kane & Kool G Rap Battle Song-For-Song, In Concert (Video)

Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap go back together more than 30 years. Since the mid-1980s, these two New York City lyricists were some of the most legendary components in Marley Marl's Juice Crew. In 1986, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo let the world hear something special with... Read more