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Pete Rock Makes A Roy Ayers Mixtape & It’s Amazing (Mixtape)

Pete Rock knows a thing or two about the great Roy Ayers. The Chocolate Boy Wonder has sampled some of Roy's CTI Records catalog and other material throughout his own vast discography of head-nodding hits. With the release of a new t-shirt at Pete's site (where he has a number... Read more

February 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Mixes

Tommy Hilfiger Gear & Death Row Records’ Reign Covered In Part 3 Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

Yesterday (February 26), Steve Stoute's week-long, four-part documentary series, The Tanning Of America, continued on Vh1. Part Three ("Gimme The Loot"), aired. The third installment highlighted commercial Hip-Hop's plateau in the mid-1990s, including the uber-success of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row Records (and how New York Hip-Hop reacted).... Read more

February 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, TV/Film, Video

Rick Ross Releases a Video for the Soulful Oyster Perpetual (Video)

While Oyster Perpetual did not make the final cut on Rick Ross' forthcoming Mastermind album, that didn't stop Ross from making a video for the track, which is one of his most soulful releases in quite some time. The visuals feature a lot of footage (some not suitable for work)... Read more

February 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Harlem Fashion, Beastie Boys & Arsenio Hall Profiled In Part Two Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

Following yesterday's (February 25) full stream of part one (of four), called "Word Is Bond," from Steve Stoute's The Tanning Of America documentary series on VH1, part two (titled "Fight The Power") is now available. This chapter highlights Hip-Hop's ushering in of The Beastie Boys, a landmark group for being... Read more

February 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Scarface Introduces Alpoko Don With Some Stellar 2014 Gangsta Rap (Audio)

Digga (Cam'ron, Big L, Ma$e) is developing this artist Alpoko Don. He hit AFH with "Set The Record Straight," a boisterous introduction featuring none other than Scarface. Facemob plays his O.G. role beautifully, as both MCs state the codes of conduct for navigating the perilous streets of 2014. A detailed... Read more

February 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharrell Welcomes Audiences To Meet His GIRL (Album Stream)

Next week, in addition to Rick Ross' Mastermind, Heads will have an opportunity to listen, support and absorb Pharrell's sophomore solo album, GIRL. The sneak-attack announcement by The Neptunes' front-man was made less than two weeks ago. Now, Skateboard treats iTunes users to an early listen of the LP featuring... Read more

February 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How Does DJ Jazzy Jeff Handle A Fender-Bender In Russia & What’s He Eat Abroad? (Video)

In the latest episode of Vinyl Destination Season 2, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skillz and crew hit a frigid Russia to cold rock the party. There, the troop encounters a van-accident, and mixes some McDonald's abroad with some fine wine and cheeses. All that character drives the behind-the-scenes vignette. Related: DJ... Read more

February 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Next Up On The 9th Wonder Collaboration Album List? Talib Kweli (Video)

Even outside of Little Brother, 9th Wonder has built a career with a series of full-produced albums for a host of artists, ranging from Black Moon's Buckshot, to Jean Grae, to David Banner, to Murs, to Kaze, and beyond. In a new interview, Talib Kweli revealed that now he is... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh

Casey Veggies Shows His World From The Handlebars In Whip It (Video)

The groundswell surrounding Casey Veggies' 2013 album Life Changes continues. The mixtape that made many best-of-year lists continues to spawn visuals, remixes, and a lot of conversation. For the slower "Whip It," Casey steps on a BMX to hit the blue skies of Southern California to show you his world,... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Marvin Gaye & Mos Def’s Yasiin Gaye Mash-Up Is Here. The Departure: Side 1 (Mixtape)

One of the biggest hits of 2014 on Ambrosia For Heads has been Yasiin Gaye. The mash-up experiment by Amerigo Gazaway, combining the music of Marvin Gaye and Mos Def, crosses time, space, and genre to show that great, enduring music has no confines. It's almost eerie how one artist... Read more

February 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Mixes

What Do Nas, Rick Rubin & Fab 5 Freddy Think Of Hip-Hop & Race? Watch Part One Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

Yesterday (February 24) kicked off Vh1's five-part series on The Tanning Of America: One Nation Under Hip-Hop. The title, concept and vision is based on Steve Stoute's recent book, which looked at the cultural and racial diaspora that's happened in the United States, in large part, due to Hip-Hop. The... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, TV/Film, Video

Stat Quo & Scarface Cross Paths Overtop Some Dr. Dre Production (Audio)

Although Stat Quo's tenure at Shady/Aftermath Records didn't work out as planned, the Atlanta, Georgia native got his walking papers in style. Under the tutelage of Sha Money XL, the artist previously known as Status Quo has been able to unveil some of his vaulted recordings with the big dogs,... Read more

February 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You Don’t Shop At Target, You Won’t Get This Fuzzed-Out ScHoolboy Q & A$AP Rocky Jam (Audio)

Collaborations are a driving force on ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. From links with Tyler, The Creator and 2 Chainz, to the king of "links" himself, Raekwon, the major label debut from Quincy is an opportunity to hear how he blends with some new friends. However, for almost two years, Q's been... Read more

February 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Beyonce Flaunts Jay Z & Their Vintage Rolls Royce In Partition (Video)

If Beyonce and Jay Z ever run out of ways to make fans wish upon their lifestyle, the world just might stop. In the just-released video for "Partition," Bey' shows off some jewels from the couple's vintage Rolls Royce and Bentley collection, in addition to fit bod. This video is... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kermit The Frog As Kool G Rap? Watch The Sesame Street Crew Tackle The Juice Crew’s Symphony (Video)

Admit it or not, plenty Heads grew up on Sesame Street. PBS' afternoon learning and entertainment show raised many of us long before we later recognized Gordon in Willie Dynamite, or laughed at Dave Chappelle's impersonation of The Count. Well, in the tradition of Bert & Ernie playing Billy Danze... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Homeboy Sandman Breathes New Life Into An Old Breakbeat In This Freestyle (Audio)

Pound for pound, Homeboy Sandman is one of the most dynamic MCs to emerge in the last 10 years. The Elmhurst, Queens rapper/activist has a Native Tongues way about him, standing up for issues, while still clearly having fun with every microphone rendezvous and video. In honor BoySand's new Stones... Read more

February 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rick Ross Performing The Devil Is A Lie With The Roots Is One Of The Hardest Fallon Musical Moments (Video)

When you think about it, "The Devil Is A Lie" is the type of musical presentation and message that would work for either Rick Ross or The Roots. Perhaps at opposite ends of the Def Jam Records roster, The Roots Crew's albums like Rising Down, How I Got Over, and... Read more

February 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

CyHi The Prynce’s Black Hystori Project Is Here & Executive Produced By Kanye West (Mixtape)

It's been over a year since CyHi The Prynce's last mixtape, Ivy League: Kick Back. However, the role-player on 2012's Cruel Summer is back in a major way with Black Hystori Project. While executive produced by Kanye West, Yeezus sat back on this one and let CyHi shine on his... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Psych Out With Big Boi & Shalamar In This Feel-Good Mash-Up (Audio & Video)

For the weekly Monday mash-up series, Big Boi paired his "Objectum Sexuality" from 2012's Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors with Shalamar's 1982 hit "A Night To Remember." With Phantogram on the assist, this re-presentation (as "Objectum Shalamar") meshes beautifully, with a video that plays beautifully on walls from projectors in... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ice-T Is The Next ’80s Hip-Hop O.G. To Lend His Talents To A Talk Show?

This year has seen 3rd Bass' MC Serch move from Hip-Hop music to radio to talk-show television. The Rockaway, Queens native has already had some compelling moments on his show. Now it seems that Ice-T, who like Serch, has some experience with television, is now going to try out a... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Isaiah Rashad Breaks Down Tranquility & Shows That Every Single Line Has Meaning (Video)

One of the retail gems of the year so far is Isaiah Rashad's EP, Cilvia Demo. Digital-only, the Top Dawg Entertainment release was a real getting-to-know opportunity to the Chattanooga MC who combines his environment with an other-worldly ability to see the bigger picture. If you doubt that statement, watch... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

James Blake Takes A Stab At Remixing Kendrick Lamar’s m.A.A.d city (Audio)

For an album cut that Heads celebrated in 2012, "m.A.A.d city" has come into the spotlight in February of 2014. After Imagine Dragons live-mashed-up the MC Eiht-assisted joint at the Grammy Awards, James Blake is reworking the partial-title track from K-Dot's platinum major label debut. After performing with Drake at... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cee-Lo & Goodie Mob Honor Amy With A Visual (Video)

One of the standout cuts from Goodie Mob's 2013 (full) reunion album, Age Against The Machine was "Amy." The song, about Cee-Lo's first interracial sexual experience, was among several songs in the last calendar that addressed the issue. The video taps right into the subject matter, as you may have... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Keith Murray Is Trying Out A New Style While Still Reppin’ Def Squad. What Do You Think? (Audio)

Central Islip's finest, Keith Murray, is one versatile MC. Since the days of "Get Lifted" and "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World," the Def Squad MC had an edgy delivery that combined extensive vocabulary, unique cadence, and an unwavering flow. What's more, even though Keith Murray was tearin' the... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punch & Stricklin Make A Complex Metaphoric EMC Joint (Audio)

Masta Ace is a true master of metaphor. Since his days as the "music man" in the Juice Crew, the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC has evolved into an artist that critics and fans could never pin down—introspective one minute, braggy the next, Jeep music here, and sweet Soul there. When Ace... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

ONYX Brings Worlds Together, Courtesy Of A$AP Ferg & Sean Price On This Defiantly New York Track (Audio)

Last year, A$AP Ferg recruited ONYX for his major label debut, Trap Lord. Sticky Fingaz and company shined on the album, bridging the generations... and showing how not giving a f**k never really ages. The favor is returned now, as ONYX get Ferg, and an early '90s Rap contemporary for... Read more

February 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The First Post-Shady Records Look From 50 Cent Pays Its Respects At The Funeral (Video)

When 50 Cent released the audio to "The Funeral" last year, he was still a Shady/Interscope Records, or so Heads speculated. After this week's announcement that Fif was headed to Caroline/Capitol Records, he's fast-acted in dropping the video to "The Funeral." Is this the creative direction 50 was butting heads... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

9th Wonder Prepares For His Hip-Hop Fellowship At Harvard, Kendrick Lamar & DJ Premier Speak On It (Video)

In addition to the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard, 9th Wonder is currently a fellow at the Ivy League university. He will spend three years working on a research project at Harvard’s W.E.B. Dubois Institute. 9th, who has taught for years at North Carolina Central University (alongside Kid, from... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Inspectah Deck Makes An Inspirational Song That’s Street At The Same Time (Audio)

Inspectah Deck had an impressive comeback season in 2013. The Wu-Tang Clan's Bronx delegate found nice breath of freshness teaming with 7L & Esoteric for CZARFACE. However, in his solo pursuits, Rebel INS gained some own focus and momentum. Lending his talents to United Kingdom producer Dr. G, Deck made... Read more

February 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharrell Unveils GIRL Tracklist, The Guests May Surprise You, Or Maybe Not

Pharrell dropped a cinderblock on the month of March this week, when he announced his sophomore solo album, G I R L, with just over two weeks until release date. The Neptune with the 400-gallon hat repped hard in 2013, and at the Grammy Awards in conjunction with the year.... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh

Kanye West To Headline 2014 Bonnaroo, Joining Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean & Chance The Rapper

If you're the type of Head to check out one festival each concert season, Hip-Hop is making it hard on you. Following OutKast's announcement of headlining both Coachella and OVO Fest, now it appears that Kanye West is throwing his movement into the festival mix. 'Ye has been announced to... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh

Esoteric Puts The Things Most Important To Him In Wonder Why (Video)

In 2013, one of the most ferocious lyrical displays was 7L & Esoteric's joint album with Inspectah Deck, CZARFACE. With a sequel already in the works, Eso made a second album in '13, Machete Mode, alongside another New England-based talent, Stu Bangas. Stu's produced joints for Sean Price, Jedi Mind... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

After Over A Decade With Shady/Interscope Records, 50 Cent & G-Unit Leave

Interscope Records and its IGA affiliates A&M and Geffen, is one of the major arms of the Universal Music Group. It's hard to believe that this label that Heads now associate with big sales, big stars, and big egos was once a fledgling indie, back in the days when 2Pac... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh

ScHoolboy Q & Raekwon’s Blind Threats Collaboration Comes Out In High Quality (Audio)

Yesterday, Ambrosia For Heads shared some thoughts after hearing ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON in Los Angeles at an early listening session. One of the highlights was this cut, "Blind Threats," which Q envisioned to feature Raekwon or Cappadonna. Before he had a chance to check for the other Staten Island MC,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Suge Knight Talks About D.O.C., DJ Yella, Kendrick Lamar & Game, But What’s He Saying? (Video)

So many interviews with Marion "Suge" Knight are predictable. The Compton, California native will usually find a way to spill controversy into any statement he makes, likely focusing on defaming targets ranging from former partners like Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, to longtime foe Diddy. Enter Arsenio Hall, a longtime... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rakim, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu & Brian Eno Are Among Those Who Discuss Creativity In This Red Bull Music Academy Documentary (Video)

The Red Bull Music Academy may be one of the all-time best examples of arts and entertainment sponsorships. The energy drink's dedication to music education far surpasses most of what Heads see, but simply treating people like Rakim, Mannie Fresh, and El-P as the artistic luminaries they are on video,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, TV/Film, Video

Pharrell Is The Latest Household Name To Go The Surprise Album Route (Video)

As he's done many times before, with many different sounds and styles, Pharrell Williams really hit his stride in 2013. From work with Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, 2 Chainz, and Nelly, you couldn't seem to listen to a radio spot (on any station) without hearing The Neptunes' front-man. Well, outside... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raheem DeVaughn Gently Channels Marvin Gaye On A Powerful Black History Homage With Rhymefest (Video)

Raheem DeVaughn's place in Hip-Hop has been forged, even though he's a singer. The Maryland native makes real-life music, and always seems to develop song chemistry with whatever collaborators he's linked with. On "Final Call (Saviour's Day)," 'Heem teams up with Rhymefest (who has slowed his output down in the... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

OutKast Will Share The Stage With Drake At 5th Annual OVO Fest

Big Boi and Andre 3000 are filling up their dance-card lately. One of Hip-Hop's most beloved, and well-respected artists of all-time are breaking hiatus with a Coachella date, a series of dates to follow, additional festivals, and possibly (if you're asking Queen Latifah), more music. Daddy Fat Sax and 3... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh

Bun B & Prodigy Link With Remy Banks & Charlie RED Over A Hitmen-Certified Beat (Audio)

Puffy's Hitmen were one of Hip-Hop's few examples of a hit factory. Mirrored after the producers, songwriters, and session musicians that drove the hit singles for labels like Motown, Stax, and Atco Records, this is something that's expensive and time-consuming. In other words, you'd better have a studio with many... Read more

February 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Enjoy Some Killa Cam Antics? Watch Cam’ron Kick A Guy In The Crotch For A Price (Video)

File this along with your Action Bronson stage tossing, bodyslams, and other violent ejections. Cam'ron, who may be Bam Bam's label-mate in the Warner Bros/Atlantic Records family tree, is usually known to be a cool-tempered dude. While Dipset was not above acting rowdy, Cam's not the type to be seen... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

If You Had Issues Downloading De La Soul’s Free Catalog 25 Hour Giveaway, Plug 2 Has Something To Say (Audio)

Did De La Soul truly anticipate the groundswell reaction to their late week announcement of plans to give away the bulk of their long Internet-shy catalog for free? Possibly not, but who could have, when Posdnous, Dave, and DJ Maseo's works drove Internet discussion and prompted a premature 25th anniversary... Read more

February 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

What Five-Figure Piece Of Memorabilia Did A Record Buyer Find Inside An Album Sleeve? (Video)

Heads who collect records know that you can find some pretty interesting stuff when you dig. Besides the racks of wax, a lot of older albums can be secret hideaways for things: love letters, journals, rolling papers, stickers, and the old cryptic messages some people like to put in the... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Some Music For The Couples In Dizzy Wright’s Latest Visual (Video)

Dizzy Wright is one of the more honest new artists out. The Las Vegas native left home at a young age, and as he went full throttle into Rap, he's discovered truths many of us seem to grasp at older ages. In "The Perception," Wright seems to tackle fame, growth,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson Says That He Pays His Bills From Monthly Sales Of Indie Albums & Talks Wearing Shorts Year-Round (Audio)

When he's not body-slamming security guards and (playfully) tossing little people offstage, Action Bronson is a helluva rapper. For longtime fans of the Queens, New Yorker who Heads first heard on J-Love mixtapes, 2013's Saaab Stories was a bit of a misnomer. While Harry Fraud's Surf School sound is hot,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Like Bully Bars? Reef The Lost Cauze, Masta Ace & Jaysaun Got Somethin’ For Ya (Audio)

Reef The Lost Cauze never seems to stop working, and that's a great thing. The MC who went to the same high school at Will Smith (at a later era) linked with Masta Ace and Special Teamz' Jaysaun for "Power Moves." Over a hard, brassy beat the three take mics... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & June Would Make Pimp C Proud In Their Own Big Pimpin’ (Video)

Although it's clearly not a cover song, June and Big K.R.I.T. clearly considered Jay Z's Volume 3 smash single "Big Pimpin'," which put the faces and voices of UGK's Pimp C and Bun B in front of many new listeners. Raised on the Slab music, Krizzle and June made their... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Memphis Bleek Gets Really Up Close & Personal In It’s For Me (Video)

In addition to some killer beats from the likes of Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz and 9th Wonder, Memphis Bleek's albums have always had some really personal moments. Although known for the big Jay Z assists at times, and Roc-A-Fella Records posse cuts in others, Marcy Projects' youngest breakthrough artist in... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Need Some Inspiration? Watch This Hour-Long Documentary On Public Enemy & The Bomb Squad (Video)

There will never be enough documentaries and books on Public Enemy, and the music they've made. Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X (and later, DJ Lord), as well as The Bomb Squad changed Hip-Hop lyrically, musically, and in concert. ego trip's "Night At The Movies" hipped AFH to... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big Boi’s Forever Funky, But Check This Mash-Up That Pairs Him With Menahan Street Band (Audio)

For the next stop in his weekly mash-up series from Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors, Big Boi's "Tremendous Damage" is joined with The Menahan Street Band's "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)." This is Brooklyn-based super-band that laced the "Make The Road By Walking" bassline, famously repurposed for Jay... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh