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Clark Kent Says Hip-Hop Owes Kool Herc & It’s Time To Pay Up

Earlier this week, on August 11, Hip-Hop celebrated its 48th birthday. On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) threw a back-to-school party with his sister Cindy Campbell. The event took place at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York's Bronx borough. Behind the turntables, Herc prolonged the break... Read more

August 13, 2021 Exclusive, Fresh

De La Soul Confirms Acquiring Catalog & Will Re-Release Albums On DSPs This Year

UPDATE: Just days after Talib Kweli announced that De La Soul had acquired its back catalog (story below), the group took to Instagram Live (embedded below) to confirm reports. After some technical difficulties, Dave, Posdnuos, and Maseo broadcast to over 3,000 fans in real-time. The audience included Common, DJ Drama, DJ... Read more

August 10, 2021 News

Nas Is In The Second Prime Of His Career

For the second time in less than a year, Nas has released an album. King's Disease II follows 2020's campaign, which landed Nas his first Grammy award, taking home "Best Rap Album" honors in early '21. Entirely produced by Hit-Boy, KD1 included reuniting the founding members of The Firm (along with the group's album... Read more

August 10, 2021 Video

Chucky Thompson, Producer Of Hits For Biggie & Nas, Has Passed Away

Legendary Hip-Hop and R&B producer Chucky Thompson has died. Moments ago today (August 10), Young Guru confirmed the news. Thompson worked for over 30 years in music, producing hits including The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Big Poppa," Craig Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)," and Nas' "One Mic," along with an extensive... Read more

August 9, 2021 News

Lauryn Hill Gave Nas Her Best Verse In 20 Years

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, is better than it's ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

August 6, 2021 Audio

Jadakiss Had A Career Defining Moment With LOX Verzuz Dipset

For the last 20-plus years, Jadakiss has long been revered as one of Hip-Hop's top MCs. The co-founder of LOX and D-Block went as far as naming his 2015 fourth solo album, Top 5 Dead Or Alive. The proclamation, taken from Jadakiss' frequent mention in such lists among Rap fans,... Read more

August 5, 2021 Video

Nas & Eminem Are Rapping Together For The 1st Time Ever

As many music fans have shifted focus on Friday, August 6 for Kanye West's Donda release—two weeks after initially planned—another artist has occupied the attention for the day. Last week, Nas announced that Kings Disease 2 will be arriving on Friday. Today (August 3), the tracklisting for the Mass Appeal... Read more

August 3, 2021 Fresh, News

Hip-Hop Now Has Its Own US Holiday

For many Hip-Hop Heads, August 11 has marked a special day on the yearly calendar. On that day, in 1973, DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) threw a back-to-school party with his sister Cindy Campbell. The event took place at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in New York's Bronx borough. Herc is... Read more

August 2, 2021 News

Kausion Member & Ice Cube Affiliate Gonzoe Has Been Shot And Killed

The Hip-Hop community continues to suffer losses in 2021. West Coast Rap veteran Gonzoe (aka Ronald Moore) has been shot and killed in Seattle, Washington in what appears to be a drive-by shooting. TMZ confirmed the death and reported that Gonzoe was 45 years old. The incident took place this... Read more

July 31, 2021 News

Mickey Factz Joins The Royce & Lupe Battle With The Best Diss Record Yet

Hip-Hop is witnessing its most exciting battle in more than a year, and it is playing out with more than just two opposing MCs. In 2020, two Midwest giants, Lupe Fiasco and Royce 5'9, partnered in a podcast. The two veterans joined forces to create 45 episodes of The Lupe... Read more

July 27, 2021 Audio, News, Video

Kanye West And JAY-Z Have Ended Their Beef

Fans are currently anticipating the arrival of Kanye West's tenth solo album, Donda. Def Jam Records announced today (July 23) is a release date amid several album preview listening parties. However, the general public has yet to receive the LP titled after Kanye's late mother's name as of noon on... Read more

July 23, 2021 News

Scarface Would Battle Ice Cube In A New Verzuz Format

An upcoming Verzuz has recently been announced between The Diplomats and The LOX. That matchup is scheduled for August 3, before a live audience at Madison Square Garden's Hulu Room. However, this week saw a discussion of another proposed battle between Scarface and Ice Cube. However, this one would go... Read more

July 17, 2021 Fresh, Video

Biz Markie Has Passed Away At Age 57

A challenging year for the Hip-Hop community continues to become more tragic. In a breaking news story, Biz Markie has died at the age of 57. The legendary MC, DJ, and producer born Marcel Hall passed away this evening (July 16) after a decade-plus-long bout with type 2 diabetes. TMZ reported... Read more

July 16, 2021 News

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more

July 13, 2021 Exclusive, Video

JAY-Z’s Lawsuit Against Jonathan Mannion Could Change Photography Forever

Several weeks ago, JAY-Z celebrated 25 years since releasing his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Amid the fanfare is a lawsuit against the photographer for the artwork of the Roc-A-Fella Records LP. Jonathan Mannion was behind the lens for the black-and-white photograph of Shawn Carter in the tailored suit, scarf, and cigar.... Read more

July 6, 2021 Video

Evidence Discusses Starting Over After Dilated Peoples (Video)

Last Friday (June 25), Evidence released his latest solo album, Unlearning, Vol. 1. The Rhymesayers Entertainment release featuring Conway The Machine, Alchemist, Boldy James, and others has already been met with applause, including Ambrosia For Heads' 10 Best Albums of 2021 (so far) list. Notably, Unlearning breaks from Ev's Weatherman series, dating back to his first solo album,... Read more

June 29, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Griselda, Busta Rhymes & Method Man Perform A Tribute For DMX (Video)

Nearly three months after the unexpected passing of DMX, the music community continues to mourn Earl Simmons. That was clear with the tribute at the 2021 BET Awards. Broadcasting Sunday night (June 27), a handful of X's Rap peers honored the legend with a performance medley curated by Swizz Beatz.... Read more

June 28, 2021 Video

Black Thought Shows He Really Is Every MC On An Unreleased Roots 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, is better than it's ever been. Not only can we go back and... Read more

June 26, 2021 Audio

Blackalicious MC Gift Of Gab Has Passed Away At Age 50

The year 2021 continues to be one marred by loss for the Hip-Hop community. Timothy J. Parker, perhaps better known as The Gift Of Gab has died at the age of 50. Gab was a co-founding MC of Blackalicious, the Sacramento, California-based crew alongside producer Chief Xcel. Together, Blackalicious was... Read more

June 25, 2021 News

Conway The Machine & Jim Jones Are Going To Battle Rap The Old School Way

Two of Rap's most active MCs in recent years are Conway The Machine and Jim Jones. Conway has been part of Griselda Records' breakout trifecta, including his half-brother Westside Gunn and cousin, Benny The Butcher. During the mid-2010s, the Buffalo, New York veteran gained acclaim for his independent catalog. The... Read more

June 24, 2021 News, Video

Skyzoo Explains How Phonte Talked Him Out Of Retiring

Earlier this month, Skyzoo released his latest album, All The Brilliant Things. Already named as one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of 2021 so far, the Mello Music Group LP is reportedly three years in the making. In a run that includes the Pete Rock-produced Retropolitan and 2020's standout The... Read more

June 22, 2021 Exclusive, Interview, News, Video

Little Shawn Describes The 1994 Tupac Shooting & Insists He Was Not Involved (Video)

Rapper Little Shawn has an incredible Hip-Hop story. A native of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, the veteran MC-turned-dietician sat with Drink Champs for more than three hours. Over the course of the discussion, the guest (who now goes by Shawn Pen) details the mutual respect he shares with JAY-Z. Shawn recalls... Read more

March 1, 2020 Video

Mike Tyson Explains Using Hypnotism To Become The World’s Best Boxer

Mike Tyson is the latest guest on Snoop Dogg's GGN. Like Snoop, the celebrity has become a force in media with his Hotboxin With Mike Tyson Podcast platform. There, the 53-year-old former champion interviews other celebrities, athletes, and media personalities. It also is a celebration of Tyson's longtime affinity for... Read more

March 1, 2020 Lifestyle, Video

Drake Releases 2 Songs That Pay Respect To JAY-Z & Eminem (Video)

Following this year's "Life Is Good" collaboration with Future (embedded below), Drake releases his first solo music of 2020. It comes in the form of two songs, bridged together for one video. "When To Say When" follows recent footage of Drizzy rapping outside of Brooklyn's Marcy Houses, the onetime home... Read more

March 1, 2020 Video

Madlib Speaks. He Reveals That He & Pusha-T Are Planning More Music Together (Video)

Last month, Ambrosia For Heads decided that Madlib & Freddie Gibbs' Bandana was the Best Album Of 2019. Announced the same night as the Grammy's, the sophomore collaboration between the two veterans bested another producer/MC battery, Gang Starr, in the championship round. The decision came after the annual Sweet 16-themed... Read more

February 28, 2020 Video

Snoop & Jada Pinkett Have An Emotional Conversation About Kobe, Gayle King & Misogyny

Earlier this month, Snoop Dogg made global headlines after a fiery reaction to Gayle King's controversial CBS This Morning interview with retired basketball star Lisa Leslie. During that interview, which broadcast on February 4, the network anchor brought up Kobe Bryant's 2003 sexual assault charge while speaking to the two-time... Read more

February 26, 2020 Video

50 Cent Recalls Going From Making $800 Per Month To Earning 8 Figures Within Weeks

This month marks 17 years since 50 Cent released his debut album, Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. The Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records LP has since been certified six-times platinum. The 2003 album remains a benchmark in the genre and touchstone of Rap. 50 Cent appeared on Cigar Talk with host Naji Chill.... Read more

February 19, 2020 TV, TV/Film, Video

Pop Smoke Has Been Shot And Killed During Home Invasion

Twenty-year-old rapper Pop Smoke was reportedly killed this morning (February 19). Per developing reports, the Brooklyn, New York native born Bashar Jackson was fatally shot at a Hollywood Hills, California home that he had been renting. TMZ reports that two men wearing masks and hoodies unlawfully entered the home, an... Read more

February 19, 2020 News

“Good Times” Actress Ja’Net DuBois Has Passed Away At Age 74

Emmy Award-winning actress Ja'Net DuBois has passed away at the age of 74 today (February 18). She may be best remembered for playing "Willona Woods" on television's Good Times series. DuBois played the neighbor character on all six seasons of the show, which premiered between 1974 and 1979. Additionally, she... Read more

February 18, 2020 News, TV, TV/Film

Dr. Dre Produces A Tribute Video That Shows Love To Kobe Bryant

This past weekend's NBA All-Star festivities paid major tribute to Kobe Bryant. Kobe, an 18-time all-star selection, passed away last month (January 26) along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, and seven others aboard a helicopter. Shortly after takeoff, the vessel crashed in Calabasas, California. For Sunday (February 16)... Read more

February 17, 2020 Lifestyle, Video

Floyd Mayweather Got Out Of A $750K Deal & Then Made $750 Million (Video)

Following a high-profile interview with Lil Wayne, champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is the latest guest on Drink Champs. As a guest on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN's series, "Money Mayweather" opened up for over two hours on the show during Super Bowl weekend. Although he did not drink or smoke, he... Read more

February 15, 2020 Lifestyle, Video

A New Mix Blends Benny The Butcher & J Dilla To Perfection

Every February, Hip-Hop Heads remember J Dilla. Producer/MC James Yancey was born on February 7, 1974, and passed away just days after his 32nd birthday, on February 10, 2006. Around the country are official and unofficial Dilla events, with many of the artists who best knew Jay Dee paying tribute.... Read more

February 15, 2020 Audio, Mixes

Watch The Throne 2? Jay Electronica’s Album May Be A Collaboration With JAY-Z

One week ago, Jay Electronica teased fans by claiming he is releasing an album on March 18. The MC/producer who has never released a project apart from a MySpace mixtape (2007’s MySpace mixtape Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)), suggested that his album would be called A Written Testimony. A series of... Read more

February 14, 2020 Fresh

Consequence Takes A Tour Of Queens In The Video For His Last Phife Dawg Collaboration

In March, it will have been four years since Phife Dawg passed away. The MC/producer born Malik Taylor was not able to see the final album release from A Tribe Called Quest, 2016's We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service. However, he worked on the LP that... Read more

February 14, 2020 Video

Pusha-T & Dame Lillard Take A Page From Allen Iverson & Jadakiss (Video)

Nearly 20 years ago, Allen Iverson made one of the great Rap-and-basketball spots for his shoe, The Answer. Recruiting Jadakiss, the then-Philadelphia 76er showed off his handle while The LOX MC rapped to cameras (also embedded below). It was a one-minute ad that only created more mystique to the popular... Read more

February 13, 2020 Video

Ava DuVernay Is Making A Documentary On The Life Of Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle's life story is being told in the form of a documentary film by a fellow hometown visionary. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay is confirmed to produce and direct an upcoming film on the slain Los Angeles, California MC, entrepreneur, and activist. It will be a collaboration between Ava's ARRAY... Read more

February 11, 2020 Fresh, News, TV/Film

Rage Against The Machine & Run The Jewels Announce Tour Dates

One of the hottest tickets in music for 2020 has been announced. The recently-reunited Rage Against The Machine has announced more than 35 dates, worldwide. They are touring with Run The Jewels, who have previously worked with Zack de la Rocha. Previously, Zack recorded extensively with El-P following the departure... Read more

February 10, 2020 Fresh

Royce 5’9 & Benny The Butcher Reunite For A Collaboration That Packs A Punch (Video)

Today (February 7), Royce 5'9 showcases the fourth single from this month's album, The Allegory. While January's "Overcomer" video single featured Westside Gunn, "Upside Down" involves Benny The Butcher. Notably, all three Griselda members appear on separate tracks from the February 21 LP that also boasts appearances by Vince Staples,... Read more

February 7, 2020 Video

Jay Electronica Says He Just Completed His Debut Album & It Drops Next Month

On Thursday night (February 6), Jay Electronica released a series of tweets that confirmed his debut album was complete. The proclamations follow over 10 years of teasing fans, and publicly toying with the possibility of releasing an LP at all, ever. The tweets suggested that on December 26, 2019, Jay... Read more

February 7, 2020 Fresh

JAY-Z Has Gotten The NFL To Commit $100 Million To Criminal Justice Reform

Last August, JAY-Z and Roc Nation partnered with the National Football League. The result of the agreement gave Jay and his company input into the annual Super Bowl Halftime Show and other music events surrounding the league. Additionally, it gave Jay and Roc Nation a stake in "Inspire Change," a... Read more

February 1, 2020 Lifestyle

Lil Wayne Says He Refused To Get Bodied By Eminem On Their Collaborations (Video)

In the late 1990s, Eminem and Lil Wayne burst onto the Rap around the same time. Both MCs' careers date back earlier into the decade. However, the same 1999 Marshall Mathers released The Slim Shady LP, The Hot Boys' Weezy dropped breakout solo, Tha Block Is Hot. Each artist had... Read more

February 1, 2020 Video

Ma$e Says Diddy Is Still Robbing And Enslaving Artists

Last Saturday night (January 25), Diddy made an impassioned speech ahead of the 62nd annual Grammy Awards. The Bad Boy Records founder and veteran artist/producer threatened to boycott the televised event if things do not change in the next 365 days. He asked others to do the same. “In the... Read more

January 31, 2020 News

How J. Cole Used Drake’s Playbook To Score His Biggest Hit & Win A Grammy

Sunday night (January 26), J. Cole won his very first Grammy Award. The 2020 "Best Rap Song" trophy was for the "a lot" collaboration from 21 Savage's i am > i was. While 2019's category winner, Drake, was included in the televised portion of the show (giving an impassioned and... Read more

January 29, 2020 Food for Thought

Tyler, The Creator Explains Why His First Grammy Win Is Bittersweet (Video)

Last night (January 26), Tyler, The Creator won his first Grammy Award. The accolade came for "Best Rap Album" for 2019's IGOR. Previously, the Odd Future founder had been nominated forhis previous LP, 2017's Flower Boy. Earlier in the decade, Tyler also was tied to affiliate Frank Ocean's "Album Of... Read more

January 27, 2020 News, Video

J. Cole Wins His First Grammy Ever Alongside 21 Savage

Tonight (January 26), J. Cole took home his first Grammy Award. The accomplished MC/producer has been nominated seven times ahead of the 2020 ceremonies, having never won. That changed with a win alongside 21 Savage in the "Best Rap Song" category. The two artists scored the victory for 2018 video... Read more

January 26, 2020 News

Anderson .Paak & Andre 3000 Take Home The Grammy For Best R&B Performance

Anderson .Paak and André 3000 won a Grammy tonight (January 26) for their 2019 collaboration, "Come Home." The song took home "Best R&B Performance" honors, besting songs by Daniel Caesar and Brandy, H.E.R. and Bryson Tiller, Lizzo and Gucci Mane, and Lucky Daye. The track belongs to Andy's second album... Read more

January 26, 2020 News

Diddy Blasts The Grammys For Not Respecting Hip-Hop & Calls For A Boycott (Video)

Last night (January 25) Sean "Diddy" Combs received the annual Icon Award in Beverly Hills, California. There, just ahead of the 62nd Grammy Awards and at an official Pre-Grammy Gala, the three-time winner blasted the Recording Academy for the areas which they need to improve—especially in how they treat Black... Read more

January 26, 2020 News, Video

Screwball Member Hostyle Has Passed Away At The Age Of 47

Hostyle, a founding member of Queens, New York Hip-Hop group Screwball, has died. R.A. The Rugged Man, Cormega, and other collaborators of the man born Frederick Ivey have acknowledged his passing. He was reportedly 47 years old. His cause of death has not been made public at this time. With... Read more

January 20, 2020 News

Joe Budden Responds To Eminem’s Latest Disses

On Friday morning, Eminem surprise-released a new album. His third LP since October of 2017 features an exciting guest list of MCs as well some ongoing jabs at rivals, including MGK, Brand Nubian's Lord Jamar, and Joe Budden. This weekend, Budden responded to Music To Be Murdered By lyrics on... Read more

January 19, 2020 Audio, News, Video

Royce 5’9’s Tracklist For “The Allegory” Features Griselda, Vince Staples & DJ Premier

Yesterday (January 17), Royce 5'9 released the second video single to his 2020 album, The Allegory. The follow-up to 2018's acclaimed The Book Of Ryan has thus far included "Black Savage" (featuring T.I., CyHi The Prynce, Sy Ari Da Kid, and White Gold) as well as "Overcomer" (featuring Westside Gunn).... Read more

January 18, 2020 Fresh