Parfit

Ice Cube Reveals He Originally Wanted Dr. Dre to Produce Amerikkka’s Most Wanted (Video)

As we reported earlier, today (5/16) is the 25th anniversary of the release of Ice Cube's debut album, Amerikkka's Most Wanted. To celebrate the milestone, Cube has made a series of videos detailing behind the scenes stories about the making of the landmark LP. In part 1, the rapper born... Read more

May 16, 2015 Video

Ever See This Vintage Slick Rick Freestyle With Rahzel On The Beatbox? (Video)

Here's a look back at a vintage freestyle by Slick Rick the Ruler, accompanied by human beatbox extraordinaire and Roots-affiliate, Rahzel. The clip is from a promo campaign for an MTV Hip-Hop week that looks to have taken place in the late 90s. Rick is "fresh dressed like a million... Read more

May 16, 2015 Throwback

Fabolous Takes On Another Nas Classic And Smashes It (Audio)

After rhyming over It Was Written's "Black Girl Lost," Fabolous re-ups his 90s freestyles series with another Nas classic. This time, he takes on the Pete Rock-produced Illmatic staple, "The World Is Yours." Updating the track with up to the minute references like Derrick Rose's now infamous stoic pose (as... Read more

May 16, 2015 Audio

Run The Jewels Release a Powerful Animated Visual About Police (Video)

Over the last few years, Run The Jewels (the duo of Killer Mike and El-P), have released some of the most politically-charged music, in any genre. Songs like "Close Your Eyes (And Count to F**k)" and "Early," from Run The Jewels 2, explore their complex views on police, given a... Read more

May 15, 2015 Video

Why Did Jay Z Sign Vic Mensa? Watch His Blackout Freestyle Over Roc Boys (Video)

Less than halfway into 2015, it's already been a monster year for Vic Mensa. The multi-talented Chicago MC has collaborated with Kanye West twice, and was recently signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. To some, the signing may have been a surprising move, but for Heads who have followed Mensa... Read more

May 15, 2015 Video

It’s Hunting Season For Jadakiss on Bang Bang. Wack MCs, Beware…(Audio)

Jadakiss continues his winning streak in his weekly freestyle series. On his latest, he attacks Capone-N-Noreaga's 2000 riot-starter, "Bang Bang," from their album The Reunion. The track which was produced by Alchemist and featured Foxy Brown as a guest vocalist, coaxes one of the most aggressive performances from Jada in... Read more

May 15, 2015 Audio

DMC Attributes Run-DMC’s “Downfall” to Negative Music, Urges Rick Ross To Own His Past (Audio)

As Hip-Hop continues to rapidly evolve, many of the messages being delivered to its fans today may raise a few eyebrows. This week's The Library Podcast hosted by Tim Einenkel, features pioneering Rap star DMC. Speaking about contemporary Rap music as well as his own catalog with Run-DMC, the Queens,... Read more

May 12, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Nas vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

UPDATE: THE POLL IS CLOSED. After an unfortunate event where certain people attempted to skew the results the first time, we are conducting a rematch between Nas and Tupac. With now only 5 MCs remaining, Round 6 is well under-way in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT... Read more

May 12, 2015 Throwback

Slum Village Find That Fan-Tas-Tic J Dilla Knock, Serenading The Ladies (Audio)

Slum Village's new single “Expressive” gives Heads a lot to look forward to with their new album Yes! (June 16). The tune features a previously unreleased J Dilla production, with two more on the album (from the seemingly endless supply). It's a bittersweet reunion for T3 with his his co-founder, as... Read more

May 12, 2015 Audio

Why Are Women Excluded From the Conversation About Hip-Hop’s Greatest MCs? (Video)

Like nearly everything in life, Rap is co-ed. From the beginning, women have been among the world’s most innovative MCs. They have the ability to offer fresh perspectives to a field often dominated by men. However, rarely, in the debates surrounding the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history do women get... Read more

May 12, 2015 Video

Kendrick Lamar Receives the Generational Icon Award From the State of California (Video)

In the last few years, Kendrick Lamar has ascended to the pinnacle of Hip-Hop. He's established himself as one of Rap's finest lyricists through three critically acclaimed albums (Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d. city and To Pimp a Butterfly), vaunted guest appearances on songs like Big Sean's "Control," and breakout performances... Read more

May 12, 2015 News

Finding The GOAT: It’s Complicated…When Someone Tries to Cheat the Voting.

Since September of 2014, we at Ambrosia For Heads have been hosting a conversation among countless Hip-Hop fans about a question near and dear to our collective hearts: Who is the greatest of all-time MC (GOAT)? More than anything, this was an opportunity to highlight the careers of hundreds of... Read more

May 11, 2015 Fresh

Pro Era’s Dessy Hinds Gives Thanks On A Statik Selektah Track (Audio)

As the Pro Era crew continues to diversify, Dessy Hinds is one to watch. The MC has a lot of soul to his step, and seems to wave the Brooklyn, New York clique's flag strong. Dessy kicks off the week with a cut produced by crew big brother, Statik Selektah.... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio

Inspectah Deck, Kool Keith & Headkrack Demand Justice For Unarmed Black Men (Premiere)

Three Bronx, New York MCs unite to speak on very pressing and sensitive issues in American society. Kool Keith, Inspectah Deck, and Headkrack decry the excessive force used by some law enforcement. These incidents, particularly over the last five years, have resulted in the increased death-count of Black men and... Read more

May 11, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

Here’s a Tribute to Some of the Women MCs Who Raised Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

Happy Mother's Day. Here's a video playlist celebrating some of the many women who helped to start and grow the culture of Hip-Hop. You'll see clips from pioneers like Sha Rock, Roxanne Shante, Ms. Melodie, Michie Mee, Sweet Tee, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and Monie Love. Take a look... Read more

May 10, 2015 Throwback

Fabolous Updates Nas’ Black Girl Lost With His Best 90s Freestyle Yet (Audio)

It takes a brave heart to follow Nas on a track. For the latest in his top notch series of 90s throwback freestyles, that's exactly what Fabolous does and he responds with his best to date. On Nasir's "Black Girl Lost," from It Was Written, Esco weaves a mournful tale... Read more

May 9, 2015 Audio

Styles P Paints Complex Pictures of a Hustler’s Life Over Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole Tracks (Audio)

Out of the recent spate of freestyle series, Styles P has consistently made the most interesting choices of beats to re-purpose. While others have settled comfortably in a single lane, often based on songs from a specific era, Ghost seemingly has followed no specific theme, other than to select tracks... Read more

May 9, 2015 Audio

Bob James May Love Hip-Hop, But He Calls Foul On Madlib’s Sampling

Who can deny that sampling has become a fundamental element that has put numerous Hip-Hop classics on the map? Since the very earliest days of Hip-Hop music, sampling has been integral. With it have often come lawsuits, allegations of copyright infringement, and a series of settlements. Recently (April 10, 2015)... Read more

May 8, 2015 News

Tish Is the First Woman MC to Do the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. She CRUSHES It (Video)

Tish Hyman is a rare talent who is on the verge of exploding. The Bronx, NY artist is one of the select few who is equally and supremely gifted at both rapping and singing. Her single, "Subway Art," showcases the latter more heavily, but do not be fooled. As an... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Can An MC Be Considered The Greatest of All-Time After 5 Years? This Short Film Says YES (Video)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?” The nostalgia effect is a strong one in Hip-Hop, and causes us not only to look back with optimistic revision, but also, at times, prevents us from embracing the greatness of late. It is not uncommon to hear someone argue... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Ras Kass Salutes The O.G.’s Of Hip-Hop (Video)

Southern California veteran Ras Kass celebrates his 20-plus-year run in "So OG." As the West Coast Rap mainstay reminisces over a laid-back lavish beat, several critical figures of the 1990s Hip-Hop scene appear in the form of VHS footage. This gives the viewer the impression they are watching a Rap... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT: Who Is the Greatest MC Of All-Time & Why Do We Care? (Video)

Chances are, if you are a Hip-Hop fan, at some point in your life, you've been embroiled in a conversation about who is Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT) MC. Whether it was in a lunch room, on a school bus, in a barber shop or in a board room, there... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Rah Digga Uncages The Beast On Animal. Tread Lightly…(Audio)

Rah Digga unleashes the fury of every wild beast in the animal kingdom in her latest drop "Animal", proving that, in her 20 years in the music industry, her ambush-style lyrical abilities continue to evolve. The MC shows and proves as she preys on microphones and weak MCs in her... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio

De La Soul Explain Their Criteria For What Makes a Great MC. Do You Agree? (Video)

Many have opinions about what criteria makes a great MC, but few have the credentials to back them up like De La Soul. As Hip-Hop survivors and thrivers for more than 20 years, Posdnuous, Dave and Maseo are among Rap's most influential artists, and when they speak, Heads listen. As... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Keith Murray, Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers & SKAM2? Vow No Sleep Til’ Success (Audio)

It can be incredibly easy to set a goal for yourself, and rest once you've achieved it. However, the music industry does not sleep—nor can many of those we live in it. Joell Ortiz has a group personally handled by one of the biggest personalities in all of music. Keith... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio

Rah Digga Reaches For That Raw, Alongside William Cooper (Audio)

Celebrating the just-released God's Will, Black Market Militia member William Cooper drops the high-energy "Closer to God." As a harrowing Gospel-laced backdrop plays, Cooper calls forth the assistance of New Jersey Rap queen Rah Digga, and the spirited lyricists devour the beat with explosive efficiency. Produced by Cooper's longtime right-hand... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Nyck Caution Kick The Truth to the Youth Over New School Boom Bap (Audio)

Nyck Caution is the latest member of the Pro Era crew to step towards the spotlight. With help from the original break-out Joey Bada$$ and a nostalgic beat from Chuck Strangers, the rising Rap talent delivers “World in Your Pocket." This cut encourages today's youth to choose their friendships and... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio, The Bridge

Diddy Says Can’t Nobody Hold Him Down. Tops Dr. Dre on Forbes Hip-Hop List (Video)

After it was widely-speculated that Dr. Dre had become Hip-Hop's first billionaire, following Apple's purchase of his Beats by Dre headphones line, it appears Diddy remains Hip-Hop's wealthiest artist. Forbes has released its 2015 Forbes 5: Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artists list, along with a quick video detailing key revenue streams for... Read more

May 5, 2015 News

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

The month of April 2015 in Hip-Hop brought some welcomed surprises. A slew of artists released high quality freestyles over classic 90s beats, including Fabolous, Jadakiss, Styles P and Lloyd Banks, to name a few. Raekwon laid the groundwork for his F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art) album, with releases featuring... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

From Philly To Your Hood, STS x RJD2 Feels Like Home (Album Stream)

Ever since the release of their 2013 jam “See You Leave” (From RJD2's More Is Than Isn't), it was clear that RJD2 and STS had musical chemistry. Two years and several collabs later, the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based “Sugar Tongue” wordsmith (and Roots affiliate) and world-renowned producer have finally released an... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

Snoop Recruits Rick Ross & Kendrick Lamar on the Soulful I’m Ya Dogg (Audio)

Snoop Dogg's album BUSH is set to hit stores on May 12. The LP will be Snoop's first since signing his new deal with Pharrell, and it will be produced by the hitmaker. Snoop has released several tracks from the album, many featuring Charlie Wilson, and all with a distinctly... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Discusses His New Album & Wu-Tang Clan’s Complicated History With Ice-T (Audio)

In his recent Final Level Podcast episode (#34) Ice-T (joined by co-host Mick Benzo) welcomes Raekwon to the show. The Wu-Tang Clan co-founder previously made an appearance in Ice's touted Hip-Hop documentary Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap. The podcast begins with small-talk, as the three discuss their favorite sports teams,... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers’ Latest Visual Examines The Battle for Greatness (Video)

As Heads may know, New York MC Chris Rivers is an avid boxer and is just as passionate about the sport as he is about his music. He participated in the 2014 Golden Gloves and has a goal of becoming heavyweight boxing champion of the world someday. The visual for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Masta Ace Discusses Sittin’ On Chrome 20 Years Later & How It Redefined His Career (Video)

Masta Ace sat down with Watch Loud to discuss the 20th anniversary of his album Sittin' On Chrome, which was released on May 2, 1995. Ace spoke in-depth about the album and how it redefined his career. Specifically, he talked about his attempts to create a new sound on the... Read more

May 3, 2015 Throwback

Kxng Crooked Remakes A 1990s Rock Power-Ballad (Audio)

Slaughterhouse MC Kxng Crooked (a/k/a Crooked I) and Shalé pair up in “I Didn't Mean to Treat You Bad”, a single from the recently dropped collaborative effort When Music Worlds Collide. In this experimental jam, producers DJ King Tech (The Wake Up Show) and company create a fresh interpretation of... Read more

May 3, 2015 Audio

Lauryn Hill Sends Out a Short & Sweet Serenade to the People of Nigeria (Video)

Lauryn Hill was recently scheduled to perform in Lagos, Nigeria, but due to unforeseen circumstances was forced to cancel her trip. While Hill promised she would make it there as soon as she could, she sent out a short and sweet special message to the people of Nigeria. In a... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

20 Years Later…Mobb Deep Are Still Crushing Mics. Watch This Freestyle (Video)

As Mobb Deep celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their album The Infamous, Prodigy and Havoc make a pit stop at Tim Westwood TV while in the UK. As is customary, Westwood has the duo kick a Crib Session Freestyle and he cues up The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Going Back to... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

Ever See This Rare Cypher With Tupac and Warren G Over a Classic Dr. Dre Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at some amazing footage of Tupac, Warren G, Big Syke and Richie Rich holding a spur of the moment cypher in the studio, over the "Gz and Hustlas" track Dr. Dre produced for Snoop's Doggystle LP. Tupac and Warren G are the more commonly known of... Read more

May 2, 2015 Throwback

From the 70s to the 90s…There’s No Beat Styles P Can’t Wreck (Audio)

Styles P continues his streak of weekly freestyle with a double feature. "Give Me Your Ghost" features Styles flowing over Curtis Mayfield's ultra-soulful "Give Me Your Love" from the Superfly soundtrack. Ghost sounds right at home over Mayfield's laid back groove. For the 2nd release of the day (third if... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

Step Back In Time With This Rugged MC Lyte Freestyle (Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop is at its best when in its purest form. Few things are more satisfying than hearing a top notch MC shred a verse over nothing but a beat. Here's a look back at a vintage moment from Rap City: Tha Basement where MC Lyte crushes a freestyle over... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Yasiin Bey Will Perform a Special Tribute to J. Dilla For One Night Only in London (News)

It's been more than 9 years since Hip-Hop lost J. Dilla. Each year in February, Heads celebrate the late great producer and the tributes have extended from Dilla Day to Dilla Weekend. For Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), however, who was fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of some of... Read more

April 30, 2015 News

Erick Sermon Makes Room For Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch on One Star-Studded Track (Audio)

Erick Sermon has been teasing the arrival of a new album for several months, but the moment is almost here. On a recent interview with Sway, E-Double said fans could expect ESP to arrive in June, and listed off a host of guest MCs featured on the album, including Method... Read more

April 30, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Breaks Down the Lyrics to Criminology & Details Some of Its True Stories (Video)

Raekwon sat down with DJ Booth as part of their "Inside The Verse" series and broke down the lyrics to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx's "Criminology." Rather than a standard word for word dissection of the song, Rae' chose select bars and talked about some of the realities on which... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Take a Tour of Moscow With DJ Premier (Video)

Hip-Hop has taken DJ Premier a long way from his hometown of Prairie View, Texas. The iconic producer recently traveled to Moscow for a DJ gig and decided to share it with his fans. Throughout the video, Preemo was deeply thankful for Hip-Hop and the life journey it's allowed him... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Whatever Happened to That Jay Z & Raekwon Collaboration? Raekwon Speaks (Video)

Back in May of 2013, a photo of Jay Z and Raekwon in the studio leaked and set the Internet ablaze. The instagram photo was released prior to the announcement of Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail album, leaving Heads to speculate wildly about what Hov and The Chef might... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Black Rob Reveals Rolling With Bad Boy Before Biggie, Debilitating Stroke (Audio)

With a new album in stores (Genuine Article), Harlem, New York's Black Rob recently checked in at the Combat Jack Show. The former Bad Boy Records MC opened up about the struggles he's encountered during his career, which pinnacled with 1999 crossover, "Whoa!" B.R. had no problem speaking candidly about... Read more

April 29, 2015 Audio

Bumpy Knuckles Releases Some Laid-Back Protest Music for Baltimore (Audio)

Bumpy Knuckles (aka Freddie Foxxx) has a vast catalog of aggressive music with enough energy to start a riot. However, in these times of unrest, he's released a laid-back, soulful song. But, make no mistake, this is protest music. "Can I Get a Break?!?" plays like an open letter to... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Watch Scarface Perform A Different Verse Over His Classic Gang Starr Collaboration (Video)

One of the standouts on Gang Starr's classic album Moment of Truth was "Betrayal." The song featured a dark and moody track that evoked poignant performances from both Guru and featured guest MC, Scarface. The 1998 song would be the first time Face worked with Preemo. Seventeen years later, when... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

This Will Make You Think Twice the Next Time You Walk By Someone Down on Their Luck (Video)

Tish Hyman has the kind of voice that penetrates souls. Part Stevie Wonder and part Roberta Flack, with a dash of Lauryn Hill, Hyman's vocals are filled with the type of raw and honest emotion that is rare these days--so much so that it's instantly stirring. Her song "Subway Art"... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

The Knux Encounter A Mirage In Their Late Night Journey (Video)

On their upcoming album Eleven (April 28), The Knux duo consisting of members Kentrell "Krispy" Lindsey and Alvin "Joey" Lindsey, have released their first video for the album on their track "Mirage." The Brothers Lindsey made quite the entrance into the Hip-Hop scene with their electric Rock elements and flashy word play in songs such... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video