Parfit

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See Eminem’s Lyrical Explosion on This Classic Biggie Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at a young Eminem going absolutely berserk on the classic "Kick in the Door" beat that DJ Premier produced for The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die. Although it's unclear when the footage was recorded it looks to be from the early 2000s. Marshall appears... Read more

March 21, 2015 Throwback

Kevin Hart Responds to Mike Epps with Raw Honesty and Defiance (Video)

Shade 45's Sway in the Morning show has become the home of some of the realest interviews in media. Many of the most poignant moments in an otherwise slew of mundane conversations, have come in the midst of discussions with the iconic Sway. His 2013 exchange with Kanye West sent... Read more

March 18, 2015 Lifestyle

The Rich History of Latino Contributions to Hip-Hop Are Detailed in a New Audio Documentary (Video)

For some, the knowledge of Latinos' impact on Hip-Hop does not go much deeper than the catalogs of Fat Joe and Big Pun. However, the contribution made by Latinos to the culture is extensive and embedded in the foundation of Hip-Hop. NPR's Latino USA has put together a two-part audio... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

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

March 16, 2015 News

Joey Bada$$ Waxes Philosophical About Perception vs. Reality (Audio)

"If we are what we eat, then we're already deceased..." Joey Bada$$ waxes philosophical on his latest release, "Perception vs. Reality." The song was produced by his Pro Era brother Kirk Knight and features a dark and menacing track that is a fitting accompaniment to Joey's meditative and probing rhymes.... Read more

March 15, 2015 Audio

Charles Hamilton Gets Deep About His Struggles With Mental Illness and Reviving His Career (Video)

Earlier this week, Sway in the Morning released a 6+ minute Charles Hamilton freestyle that stands among the best of the year, so far. Prior to destroying the 5 Fingers of Death MC challenge with stellar off the top verses, Hamilton spoke with Sway for forty minutes in an incredibly... Read more

March 14, 2015 Video

Ever See This Classic Redman & Keith Murray Freestyle From the Mid-90s? (Video)

Back in the mid-90s, few crews were more formidable than Def Squad. The collective featured the fierce MC skills of Erick Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray and Sermon's signature thumping beats. After releasing solo albums in Murray's The Most Beautifullest Thing in the World, Sermon's Double or Nothing and Red's... Read more

March 14, 2015 Throwback

AZ Paints a Vintage Picture on a Beautiful and Timeless Track (Audio)

Earlier this week, Ambrosia For Heads premiered episode 1 of Learn From Legends, a new web series where up and coming producer Rodney Hazard sits with iconic Hip-Hop producers to perfect his craft. It seems Hazard is already applying his learnings, as he's produced a masterful and beautiful track for... Read more

March 12, 2015 Audio

Da Brat Rhymes on Big Sean’s Blessings and ABSOLUTELY SMASHES IT (Audio)

MC Lyte. Queen Latifah. Lauryn Hill. Missy. Those names are often mentioned in the discussion of great MCs who happen to be women, but now-a-days people act like they forgot about Da Brat...The first lady of So So Def Records was actually the first solo female rapper to have an... Read more

March 12, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): KRS-One vs. Chuck D…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

March 11, 2015 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar’s Full Biggie Freestyle Tribute is 7 Minutes of Madness Over 4 Biggie Classics (Video)

Yesterday (March 9th), iconic LA DJ Big Boy hosted Kendrick Lamar as his first guest on his new show on Real 92.3 FM. Given the anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.'s passing, Big Boy had Kendrick freestyle over some of Biggie's classic tracks and released a snippet. Now, the full interview... Read more

March 10, 2015 Video

MF DOOM Heads Rejoice…KMD’s 2nd Album Reissues as a Children’s Pop-Up Book (News)

There are multiple turning points in MF DOOM's illustrious career. Still a major label artist, 1993 saw DOOM (then known as Zev Love X), Subroc, and Onyx The Birthstone Kid hard at work on their Mr. Hood follow-up, Black Bastards. Never released as intended by Elektra Records, the LP is... Read more

March 10, 2015 Throwback

Snoop, Pharrell & Charlie Wilson Reunite for More Soulful Goodness (Lyric Video)

Almost ten years ago to the day, Snoop Dogg released "Signs" as the third single from his album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. The song featured the vocal talents of Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson, and production from The Neptunes. Now, in 2015, 3/5 of that tandem has reunited... Read more

March 10, 2015 Video

How Does a $100,000 Martini Taste? 2 Chainz & Big Sean Show You (Video)

2 Chainz has partnered with GQ for a tongue in cheek series where he travels the world to partake in its most outrageously costly offerings. In the second episode of season two of the show, aptly-titled The Most Expensivest Sh*t Ever, 2 Chainz and Big Sean are treated to the... Read more

March 10, 2015 Lifestyle

Raekwon Needs Help Finishing The Purple Tape Film. Hip-Hop Stand Up (Video)

Back in January, Raekwon debuted a trailer for what looks like an amazing documentary celebrating the 20th anniversary of his classic album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...guest starring Ghostface Killah as Tony Starks. The Purple Tape Files film features Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, U-God, Xzibit, DJ Muggs (of Cypress... Read more

March 9, 2015 News

J-Live Heads West for Some Sun and FUNK…and He Pays It Forward (Video)

J-Live is an oft unheralded underground king. Justice Allah was once a school teacher and now, he saves his lessons for lesser rappers. The NYC born and bred MC headed out West for his latest visual, "Pay It Forward." In addition to taking in some sun, he seems to have... Read more

March 7, 2015 Video

Tupac Mashed Up with Gwen Stefani? Holla Back Girl If Ya Hear Me (Audio)

On paper, mixing Tupac with Gwen Stefani sounds like sacrilege. But, the end result works shockingly well. Sadly, Pac's career did not overlap with The Neptunes' dominant era, but this 2012 HipHopFightsBack fusion of Tupac's "Holla If Ya Hear Me" with Chad Hugo and Pharrell's production of Stefani's "Hollaback Girl"... Read more

March 7, 2015 Audio

Remember When Jay-Z and DMX Battled and Got Shown Up by Their Security Guard? (Video)

Here's a look back at one of the best moments of one of Hip-Hop's finest documentaries, Backstage. The scene was set for two of the all-time greats, DMX and Jay-Z, to go head to head in a battle. Each kicked icy cold verses...only to both be shown up by their... Read more

March 7, 2015 Throwback

It’s a Gangsta Party with Game and Meek Mill, But Nobody’s Celebrating (Audio)

Game and Meek Mill release some modern day reality Rap with their latest collaboration, "The Soundtrack." The two rekindle the chemistry they displayed on Game's "Scared Now," from his 2012 Jesus Piece album. Both Game and Meek Mill are two of the few MCs with the range to release club... Read more

March 6, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Announces Album Release Date and Title. Here’s the Story (News)

Few albums have been more anticipated in the last year than Kendrick Lamar's long-awaited follow up to his debut major label release, good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Well, the wait is over, almost...A little over 20 minutes ago, Kendrick tweeted out a link and nothing else. The link takes the user... Read more

March 6, 2015 News

Murs & Slug Serve Up a Reminder That They Wrote the Book For This Generation of MCs (Audio)

In addition to his many solo albums, Murs has released several noteworthy collaborative projects over the years. He's worked with 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin, Fashawn and, more recently, ¡Mayday!. However, one of his most frequent collaborators is Atmosphere's Slug. Together, Murs and Slug form Felt, and they've three albums with... Read more

March 5, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Lights the Way to the Premiere of Game of Thrones (Audio)

HBO's epic series Game of Thrones returns a little over a month from now on April 12th. As they did before last season's premiere, HBO has commissioned some esteemed MCs for a thematic mixtape leading up to Episode 1 of Season 5. The first release from the second installment of... Read more

March 5, 2015 Audio

Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent & Paul Rosenberg Tell The Story of Shady Records (Video)

In 1999, Eminem and Paul Rosenberg founded Shady Records. While the expectations might have been great, few could have predicted that Eminem would go on to become the best-selling artist of the next decade, making Shady Records one of the most powerful labels in Hip-Hop. Even with Eminem's massive success,... Read more

March 5, 2015 TV/Film

Curren$y Drops Some More Audio Dope From His Pilot Talk 3 Re-Up (Video)

Curren$y and Ski Beatz have a special chemistry. Spitta has a penchant for dark, soulful beats, and Ski, as one of the architects of Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt and Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night, has what seems like an endless supply. To many, Ski Beatz brought out the best in Curren$y... Read more

March 5, 2015 Video

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

The month of February had less days, but it was not short on good music. The tight four weeks brought new songs from Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Method Man, Redman, Talib Kweli, Logic, Big K.R.I.T., Slum Village, Rah Digga, Action Bronson, Kanye West, Cannibal Ox, Drake, GZA, Fashawn, Nas,... Read more

March 4, 2015 Audio

Looking For Your In To The Media/Music Industry? Here’s Your Chance.

Ambrosia For Heads is actively seeking a highly-motivated reader of the site interested in becoming a 2015 spring/summer intern. This non-paid three-month internship will require no more than 15 hours a week, and will consist primarily of compiling, curating, contributing and editing audio, video and editorial content for publication on... Read more

March 4, 2015 Fresh

Ludacris Calls Fake MCs’ Bluffs on the First Single From His New Album (Audio)

By the sounds of Ludacris' first single from his forthcoming album, Ludaversal, he's got something to prove. Namely, that the Luda who rhymed with aggression over vicious beats like "Southern Hospitality" is alive and well. "Call Ya Bluff" is back to basics. The track is a minimal high end loop... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

EMC Are Back with Heavy Beats and Fly Thoughts (Audio)

eMC, the collective of Masta Ace, Wordsworth and Stricklin, have re-formed for what sounds like it's going to be another strong release (notably without former member Punchline). Their new album, The Tonite Show, will feature guest appearances from B-Real, Xzibit and Sadat X, as well as actors and comedians like... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Action Bronson vs. Joell Ortiz…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 3, 2015 Fresh

Yelawolf is a True Son of Anarchy With His Whiskey in a Bottle (Video)

Last year, Yelawolf got a high profile song placement in the final season of Sons of Anarchy, with his song "Till It's Gone." With the video for "Whiskey in a Bottle," Catfish Billy shows some of the many sides of his real-life rebel mode. The visuals find Yelawolf seemingly going... Read more

March 3, 2015 Video

Kanye West is Back to Rapping and He’s Spitting Harder Than He Has in Years (Audio)

Kanye West has garnered a lot of attention this year, but none of it has been for rapping...The talented Mr. West has released three songs on which he is singing, he's released the hottest line of sneakers in the World, and he's embarked on a media tour that has shown... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 2, 2015 Throwback

ELHAE Makes a Beautiful Hip-Hop Love Song with Some Help from Michael Jackson (Audio)

Atlanta Hip-Hop artist ELHAE (pronounced LA and an acronym for Every Life Has an Ending) released an EP titled Aura in February, that is steeped in melody and soul. His music features thoughtful lyrics and music anchored in lush, dark chords that will draw comparisons to Drake, The Weeknd, Childish... Read more

March 1, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Explains Ghostface’s Biggie Diss on The Purple Tape. Goes Deep on Wu History (Video)

After more than 20 years in Hip-Hop, Raekwon has some stories...lots of them. He sat down with Sway and had as deep of a conversation as you will ever hear from the Wu-Tang Clan killer bee. The OGs covered a lot of ground, starting with how the Wu changed the... Read more

February 28, 2015 Video

Like Father, Like Son. Watch Stephen Curry Light Up Dell in 8th Grade (Video)

By now, it's crystal clear the apple did not fall far from the tree when it comes to Stephen Curry's NBA skills. His father, Dell, spent 16 years in the league and was one of its most feared sharp-shooters. But, when did the talents of young Stephen, a leading candidate... Read more

February 28, 2015 Lifestyle

Ab-Soul Sets an Alchemist Track on Fire with 47 Bars (Audio)

Ab-Soul spits some of the most complex rhymes in Hip-Hop these days. The TDE all-star's labyrinthian lyrics often play out like a Davinci code of insider references and hidden messages for those willing to go deeper and step outside the trap. Alchemist laces Soulo with a spaced out track and... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Big Daddy Kane Freestyle with Biz Markie Beatboxing? (Video)

The history between Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie runs deep. As Cold Chillin' Records label-mates, the two were featured on some classic collaborations in the late 80s and early 90s, including "Just Rhymin' with Biz" and "Erase Racism." They also did countless shows together during this period and a... Read more

February 28, 2015 Throwback

Kid Rock Gives the Real Story on His Fight with Tommy Lee and Kicks a Verse (Video)

Few artists have been as successful and versatile as Kid Rock. The Detroit artist has excelled at Rock, Country, Bluegrass and more, but his roots are in Hip-Hop. Rock recently visited the Sway in the Morning show to promote his new album, First Kiss. They touched on the album, his... Read more

February 28, 2015 Video

Logic & Big K.R.I.T. Show Why The Future of Hip-Hop is Blindingly Bright (Audio)

Logic and Big K.R.I.T. are two of the most talented MCs in Hip-Hop, currently. Each artist consistently raps about a litany of subjects from raw and authentic points of view, and both can flow with the best of them. The Def Jam label mates have united on Logic's new song... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Common Speaks on Why He Left Oprah Hanging at The Oscars (Video)

Common has deservedly received a lot of attention this week after winning his first Oscar, along with John Legend and Rhymefest, for Best Original Song for "Glory," from the movie Selma. His performance and acceptance speech were highlights of the Academy Awards. However, something that occurred immediately prior to his... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

Method Man Lays Down a Buttery Verse with Mr. Cream on Change Your Mind (Audio)

Amidst the high volume chatter about last week's Method Man vs. Common GOAT battle, many Heads commented about Meth's scene-stealing guest verses. From LL Cool J to A$AP Mob to Biggie, Meth consistently has shown he can hang with the best when he's in his zone. He's back with another... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Watch Wayne Brady SMASH This Sway Freestyle on the Craziest Topics (Video)

Wayne Brady is an unbelievable talent. The comedian/actor/singer/host/MC returned to Sway in the Morning to promote his recent gig as host of BET Honors. Though he is not a full-time rapper, Brady is known for his ability to get busy on the mic, "off the top." In fact, Brady was... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

Diamond D Gets Some Super Hero Theme Music From DJ Scratch (Video)

Diamond D is an iconic Hip-Hop producer. So who does he turn to when he needs a beat? Another legend, of course. DJ Scratch (EPMD, Jay Z, Method Man & Redman) laces Diamond with an anthemic track fit for a super hero on "Superman," from Diamond's The Diam Piece album.... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Jodeci Are Back to Making Ballads for That Special Moment (Video)

After a high profile reunion at the 2014 Soul Train Awards, Jodeci have been hard at work on their first new studio album in nearly twenty years. The LP, titled The Past, The Present, The Future, is slated to hit stores on March 31 and, by the sounds of the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

Watch Marlon Wayans Give a Gut-Wrenching Portrayal of Richard Pryor (Video)

Last week, Mike Epps had one of the realest conversations in recent memory, with Sway, about the ruthlessness of the comedy business. As part of the discussion, he also touched on his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the upcoming biopic about the tortured comedic genius, directed by Lee Daniels (Precious,... Read more

February 25, 2015 News

Kanye West Uses His Platform as a BET Visionary Honoree to Discuss Race and Classism (Video)

After a very "humbling" introduction from Dame Dash, Kanye West was given the Visionary Award at the 2015 BET Honors, which aired earlier (2/23). When presented with the award, rather than talk about his accomplishments or the characteristics that make him a visionary, West took the opportunity to discuss Race... Read more

February 24, 2015 Video

Was Kevin Garnett the First Hip-Hop Athlete? Da Kid Goes Back Home.

Many see Allen Iverson as the prototypical Hip-Hop athlete. Iverson entered the NBA from the Georgetown Hoyas in 1996, full of swagger with his cornrows, jewelry and baggy jeans. However, it was perhaps Kevin Garnett, who was drafted into the league straight out of high school a year earlier, who... Read more

February 23, 2015 News

Raekwon Goes Wall to Wall with Busta Rhymes & French Montana (Audio)

After releasing twenty-one freestyles over Soul classics last year, as part of his Throwback Thursday series, Raekwon is gearing for a new solo album. The LP is titled F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxury Art) and the latest single, "Wall to Wall," features guest appearances from French Montana and a typically animated... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Freestyle with Black Thought, Phife & Consequence From 1997 (Video)

Here's a look back at a cipher between Black Thought, Phife Dawg and Consequence. The three MCs flowed off the top (for the most part) over a vicious beatbox, courtesy of Rahzel, as Questlove, Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad looked on. Based on Consequence's verse, the moment took place in... Read more

February 22, 2015 Throwback