AFH Ambrosia for Heads

Digable Planets’ Unsung Episode Reveals Why A Great Group Only Made 2 Albums (Video)

The Digable Planets' story is told in an episode of Unsung. The two-men-and-a-lady trio from three different cities would stretch to achieve Grammy success and respect within the Hip-Hop community at the same time. However, the collective of Seattle, Washington's Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, Silver Spring, Maryland's Mariana "Ladybug Mecca" Vieira,... Read more

Brand Nubian’s Unsung Tells The Group’s Story In Full. Slow Down & Watch (Video)

Brand Nubian is one of the most influential Hip-Hop groups. In the eyes of many, they are also heavily underrated. Grand Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat X, and DJ Alamo introduced a sound, style, and consciousness that became a formula for a new breed of Heads in the 1990s. Further, this... Read more

Why Jay Rock Is The Unsung Hero Of Top Dawg Entertainment (Video)

In Hip-Hop, the first is not always the biggest. Just as football has its linemen fighting for every inch, Rap music often has its figures that blaze a trail, light a path, or move the boulders for another artist to shoot the resulting gap. This week, TDE announced its Championship... Read more

Russell Simmons To Make A Film About Def Jam’s Unsung Hero: T La Rock

Before LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, a fledgling Def Jam Recordings had another MC in mind for its legendary path: T La Rock. Brother to Treacherous Three MCs member Special K, the Manhattan-born, Bronx—raised MC (aka Clarence Ronnie Keaton) would work with Rick Rubin and DJ Jazzy Jay (pioneering... Read more

Fat Joe Unsung Tells The Story Of 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Enduring Superstars (Video)

Since 1993, Fat Joe has been a mainstay in Hip-Hop. In a genre that cycles through stars every few years and considers artists from as recently as 10 years ago, "Old School," his longevity is miraculous. Time and again, Joe has re-invented himself, going from Joey Crack to R&B Rap... Read more

Unsung Tells The Story Of SWV From Uptown To “Downtown” (Video)

Starting at the top of the 1990s, SWV (aka Sisters With Voices) propelled R&B into Pop. The RCA Records trio of Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" Johnson, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons hailed from New York. Individually and collectively, they overcame adversity to reach the top of the charts with "Weak"... Read more

Kurupt Looks Back At The Major Beefs Of His Career In “Unsung” (Video)

This week, the Unsung series aired its episode dedicated to Kurupt. The TV One program examined the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania upbringing of Tha Dogg Pound co-founder. Kurupt admits that Rakim is a leading Rap influence in his lyrical style and enhanced vocabulary. The biography follows Kurupt's move to California, and subsequent... Read more

Kurupt Is Celebrated In The Latest Episode Of Unsung. Watch A Sneak Preview (Video)

Kurupt has an extensive 25-year career. The Los Angeles, California-by way of-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC has released six solo albums, dating back to the '90s. An array of major and independent releases, none of these efforts have achieved gold or platinum status, or a #1 on the charts. That career has... Read more

E-40 Is Unsung No More. The Life Of Earl Stevens Is Properly Celebrated In This Documentary (Video)

Although he has been one of the most consistent artists in any genre for the better part of three decades, E-40 often does not get his proper respect as an MC and a business man. In the latest episode of Unsung, however, his enduring career is properly celebrated, and what... Read more

Buckwild Is An Unsung Member Of D.I.T.C. But He’s One Of The Strongest Links In The Chain Gang (Audio)

When people think of the Diggin' In The Crates crew (D.I.T.C.), names like Diamond D, Big L, Showbiz, AG, O.C., Lord Finesse and Fat Joe come to mind, and rightfully so. Those artists are some of the most acclaimed MCs and/or producers in Hip-Hop, having earned their respect over decades... Read more

Nate Dogg Was A Phenomenal Singer, But He Remains Unsung. Watch The Episode (Video)

Nate Dogg has been a part of some of Hip-Hop's biggest records. Whether his 213 family of Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Dr. Dre, Fabolous, or Eminem, Nathaniel Hale's voice brought a sense of soul, street, and strength to so many hits and pivotal album cuts. In his own career... Read more

The Story of Kid ‘n Play Is Much More Complex Than Haircuts & Kick Steps. Watch Their Unsung Episode (Video)

In the late 80s and early 90s, Kid 'n Play had an enviable string of hits in music, film and on TV, and they did it as nice guys. But, that doesn't mean they didn't have to overcome obstacles or battle with life's ups and downs. Each had to grow... Read more

Kid ‘N Play are the Latest Hip-Hop Icons to Be Honored on TV One’s ‘Unsung’ (Video)

In March of this year, the classic movie House Party turned 25, igniting a hilarious and nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for Heads and movie buffs. A progenitor of the Hip-Hop Comedy canon, the movie starred Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin, a Rap duo also known by their... Read more

DJ Quik Truly Is Unsung. Watch An Incredibly In-Depth Look At His Career (Video)

From his reportedly uncredited assistance with Dr. Dre in the 2000s to his days on Death Row Records working under his government pseudonym (David Blake), DJ Quik epitomizes "unsung." For the television series "Unsung," the Compton, California star MC/producer/DJ is chronicled. Quik's days of underground tapes, assisting other would-be sensations... Read more

These MCs Are Often Unsung & Underrated…But They Are GOATs (Video)

When you ask Hip-Hop fans to name their Top 10 MCs, there are certain names cited consistently--Nas, Tupac, Eminem, Biggie, Jay Z...but, inevitably, there will be artists mentioned that seem like wildcards, too. However, when you pay close attention, you'll find that these artists' names also recur. These are MCs... Read more

Unsung Profiles the Epic Rise and Fall of Troop in its Latest Episode (Full Video)

With silky smooth singles like "I'm Not Souped," "Spread My Wings" and "All I Do is Think of You," Troop followed the tradition of predecessors like The Jackson 5 and New Edition as dancing and singing male R&B group sensations. And, like many other artists prior to them, their meteoric... Read more

The Comedic Genius of Robin Harris is Unsung No More. Watch the Full Episode (Video)

"We BeBe kids. We don't die. We multiply." If those words mean anything to you, you know the genius that was lost with the death of Robin Harris. Whether doing standup or performing in movies like Do the Right Thing, Harlem Nights or House Party, Robin Harris was always a... Read more

Salute The Original Foxy Brown. Watch Pam Grier’s Full Unsung Episode (Video)

Before she was one of the more active celebrity Twitter accounts, Pam Grier helped define an era of film. In title roles like "Foxy Brown," "Coffee," and later, "Jackie Brown," Pam Grier was a true ass-kicking heroine, fighting systems of oppression based on both race and gender. Through Blaxploitation films,... Read more

Gil Scott Heron’s Poetic & Musical Accomplishments May Be Unsung, But They’re Timeless (Video)

The late poet/musician Gil Scott Heron is arguably one of those figures that was rapping before Hip-Hop even came to form. The Harlem, New York luminary warned Heads everywhere that "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," and then he made an assortment of other powerful pieces on the subject of... Read more

The Latest Episode of Unsung Covers the Life That is Too Short (Full Video)

Having been in the game for more than 25 years, Too Short is one of the most enduring figures in Hip-Hop. The latest episode of TV One's Unsung bioseries takes a look at the the life of Todd Shaw. Check out the full episode below. Related: Geto Boys are Truly... Read more

Geto Boys are Truly One of the Most Unsung Groups in Hip-Hop. This is Their Story. (Video)

The latest installment of TV One's bioseries focuses on the story of Rap-A-Lot records and their signature artist, the Geto Boys. Witness the stories of Willie D, Bushwick Bill and the one and only Scarface. Your browser does not support iframes. Related: Geto Boys Interview + Performance (Video)... Read more

EPMD – Unsung (Video)

The latest installment of TV One's Unsung documentary series chronicles the story of the one and only EPMD. You can watch the entire episode below. Related: EPMD Perform Headbanger With K-Solo and Redman (Video)... Read more

Black Thought Names 5 MCs Who Deserve More Props

In the last month, Black Thought published his memoir, The Upcycled Self. Appearing on the New York Times' "Best Sellers" list, the autobiography reveals aspects of Tariq Trotter's personal life, including suffering the losses of his father and mother, respectively. The Grammy Award-winning (and currently nominated) Roots MC examines his... Read more

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

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

Hi-Five Member Roderick “Pooh” Clark Has Passed Away At Age 49

Roderick "Pooh" Clark of gold-selling R&B quintet Hi-Five has died. The 49-year-old singer passed Sunday (April 17) from complications related to an infection and pneumonia. According to TMZ, he passed in a Waco, Texas hospital, where Clark and the rest of the group are from. Reports suggest he had been battling... Read more

Scarface Is Sick & He’s Asking Hip-Hop For Help

Rapper Scarface has had a challenging 2020. He is a Hip-Hop legend who was infected by the COVID-19 virus back in late March. In the weeks that followed, the Houston, Texas-based icon's fight was so strong that it led to pneumonia in both of his lungs, kidney failure, a 103-degree... Read more

Shad & The Creators Of Hip-Hop Evolution Detail Making A Truly Standout Docuseries

Less than a week ago, Hip-Hop Evolution premiered its fourth season of episodes to Netflix. The series, which came to the platform in late 2016, has been one of the most comprehensive, far-reaching Hip-Hop documentaries ever produced. What's more, it lives in a place that's accessible to the mainstream, shining... Read more

Rob Swift & Mista Sinista Reappear With A New Single From Their Latest Group (Audio)

Rob Swift and Mista Sinista are two of the most respected artists in Turntablism. Onetime members of the legendary X-Ecutioners crew (aka The X-Men), these two New Yorkers established a name for themselves within the culture alongside the late Roc Raida, Total Eclipse, DJ Boogie Blind, and DJ Precision. The... Read more

Ever Hear Kurupt’s Debut? He Rapped With The S.O.S. Band Before The Chronic (Audio)

The S.O.S. Band bridged the gap between Disco and Electro Funk. Formed a few years earlier, the Atlanta, Georgia outfit made a splash with their debut 1980 single "Take Your Time (Do It Right)." The breakthrough hit for Clarence Avant's burgeoning Tabu Records topped the R&B and Dance charts on... Read more

Bushwick Bill Has Passed Away At The Age Of 52. His Family Confirms.

The Hip-Hop community is mourning the loss of Geto Boys member Bushwick Bill (aka Richard Shaw). Earlier this year, the Jamaican-born, Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York-raised MC was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Although a premature announcement was widely circulated this morning (June 9), according to TMZ, the veteran dancer-turned-rapping... Read more

Rah Digga & Planet Asia Are Lyrical Legends Bringing Doomsday To All Pretenders (Audio)

Since Planet Asia came on the scene towards the end of the 1990s, he has cooked up quality product at an impressive rate. Not only has the Fresno, California MC dropped countless albums, EPs, mixtapes, and collabs, he is behind the Gold Chain Military movement that includes a number of... Read more

Aesop Rock Has An Album Coming Next Month. His New Video Is Twisted.

Lyrical wunderkind Aesop Rock was a standout sensation during the Underground Hip-Hop boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His poetic imagery and didactic bars were complex conundrums that many listeners enjoyed unraveling. The MC/producer worked with the likes of MF DOOM, El-P, and the Weathermen during a celebrated... 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

Madlib Meets 1 Of His Biggest Influences & You’ve Never Heard Of Him

"Madlib The Bad Kid," as he introduces himself in the video below, is one of only a handful of producers from this generation who can be credited with shaping modern Hip-Hop music. Noisey recently released a special titled Madlib’s Medicine Show in which the Oxnard, California beat chief meets a... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 2): Jay Rock vs. Nipsey Hussle

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

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2018 List

It is that season where “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured stellar music from artists young and old, 2018 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. Now is an excellent time to reflect on the best ones. Throughout December, Ambrosia For Heads will pit... Read more

Reason Describes His Journey From Hungry MC To TDE’s Next Top Dawg (Video)

Six weeks ago, the dominant Hip-Hop label of the 2010s announced that it had added a new MC to its tight-knit family. Carson, California's Reason signed to Top Dawg Entertainment. The imprint with five #1 releases, including this year's Black Panther soundtrack held no press conferences nor staged a chain-awarding... Read more

Jay Rock’s Freestyle Shows What A Migos Beat Sounds Like With Some G-Funk (Video)

Jay Rock's sound seems to be evolving. In 2018, the Watts, California MC linked with producers Boi-1da, Vinylz, and CT for "Win." Working with some technicians known for a hand in Drake's discography (along with many other chart-toppers), the move showed some new range for an MC with a raspy... Read more

Jay Rock Gets His Redemption Alongside J. Cole. Nothing Can Stop Him Now (Audio)

Jay Rock has just released his third album Redemption. In addition to his Black Hippy and TDE label-mates, the LP includes highly anticipated collaborative single, "OSOM (Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind)" featuring J. Cole. The song examines Johnny's rise to fame, which began a dozen years ago with a... Read more

Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q & Ab-Soul Explain Jay Rock’s Importance To TDE (Video)

According to his latest video single, Jay Rock is winning. While the Watts, California MC is not one to take L's, his fans can agree that he is overdue. It was 11 years ago that the raspy-voiced MC with the pavement poetry was put on the front lines of a... Read more

Jay Rock Put TDE On His Back. Now, They’ve Got His For The Win (Video)

After a strong start to the year with his highest-charting single to date ("King's Dead" from the Black Panther soundtrack), Jay Rock is back with another check mark in the "W" column. For those following the movement, Jay is the cornerstone on which the success of TDE was built. So,... Read more

Jay Rock’s Third Album Is Coming In Less Than A Month

Watts, California MC Jay Rock has been quite busy in 2018. The breakout artists on Top Dawg Entertainment since the mid-2000s, Jay appeared on the chart-topping Black Panther soundtrack. Alongside Kendrick Lamar and Future, "Kings Dead" gave Rock his first Hot 100 single (#21) of his career. Moreover, the raspy-voiced... Read more

TDE’s President Makes A Compelling Argument For Why Cardi B Is Like Tupac

Cardi B released her major label debut album, Invasion Of Privacy, last Friday (April 6). Within hours, the Bronx, New York rapper achieved gold certification for the Atlantic Records LP featuring YG, Chance The Rapper, Migos, and SZA, among others. In the days ahead the music industry will see if... Read more

Mozzy Fits In Nicely With Rap’s Top Dawgs. He & Jay Rock Extend Their Chemistry (Audio)

California spitter Mozzy has been making quite a name for himself as of late. The Oak Park, Sacramento native appeared on Black Panther: The Album's cut "Seasons" (alongside Sjava and Reason) and has already received praise from members of Top Dawg Entertainment, including Kendrick Lamar and his Grammy award reception... Read more

Black Panther’s Director Reveals How He Got Kendrick Lamar To Curate The Soundtrack

In less than 48 hours, The Black Panther soundtrack will be released (February 9). The TDE/Interscope Records soundtrack tracklist boasts new music from label acts Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, SZA, and Ab-Soul, as well as other popular acts including Future, 2 Chainz, Travi$ Scott, Vince Staples, and Anderson .Paak. Perhaps... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan Join SWV For A Soul Train Tribute That Will Leave You Weak At The Knees (Video)

The 2017 Soul Train Awards aired tonight on BET. Taped at the Orleans theater in Las Vegas, the event was a star-studded affair. Hosted for the third straight time by Erykah Badu, the show featured appearances by BBD, 112, Toni Braxton, Guy, Bilal, Faith Evans and more. From the start,... Read more

Ghostface Killah’s Mighty Healthy Was Inspired By A Divine Force That Brought Wu Together (Audio)

Earlier this month, Wu-Tang Clan released The Saga Continues. Charting at #15, the album is produced entirely by DJ Mathematics—creator of the Wu logo, and longtime touring mix-master for Method Man as well as Meth & Redman. Originally, in 2016, RZA—who executive produced the project and raps—stated that the next... Read more

9th Wonder Explains Why Soundbombing & Rawkus Kept His Hip-Hop Dreams Alive (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

Actor Bernie Casey Of “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “Revenge Of The Nerds” & More Passes Away

The entertainment world is mourning the death of actor and former professional athlete, Bernie Casey. On Tuesday (September 19), Casey passed away at the age of 78 while being treated for an unknown illness at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Casey starred in a number of cult classics in multiple... Read more