Bandini

Scarface Is Teaching High School Students About The Music Business

For more than 30 years, Scarface has recorded some of the most compelling Hip-Hop music in the genre. In 2018, Brad Jordan is passing on what he's learned and teaching some tricks of the music trade to students at Houston, Texas' Jack Yates High School. There, the multi-platinum member of... Read more

March 12, 2018 News

This Mix Takes JAY-Z’s Most Powerful Lyrics & Blends Them Into A New Masterpiece (Audio)

Throughout the ages, many DJs have created mixtapes that artfully honor JAY-Z's vast catalog. In November, MICK and Chi Duly imagined a world in audio where Jay and DJ Premier expanded upon their stellar 1990s collaborative chemistry. The resulting 7:18 is a one-hour crowd-pleaser, placing new and old Hov' verses... Read more

March 12, 2018 Audio, Mixes

David Banner Releases A Powerful New Video From One Of The Best Rap Albums Of 2017

David Banner released a stellar album in 2017's The God Box. Mississippi's mainstream Rap pioneer involved Black Thought, Big K.R.I.T., CeeLo Green, Raheem DeVaughn, and Tito Lo were all involved in the Banner Vision/EMPIRE LP. A focal point of the album (presently included on the official Ambrosia For Heads playlist)... Read more

March 9, 2018 Video

Suge Knight Defense Attorneys Charged With Conspiracy

Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight is currently on trial for the vehicular hit-and-run murder of music executive Terry Carter, among a list of other charges. If convicted the Compton, California native and onetime music mogul could face life in prison. Despite his incarceration for more than two years,... Read more

March 6, 2018 News

Rick Ross Is Home From The Hospital & Continuing Treatment

On Thursday (March 1) Rap star Rick Ross was rushed to a Miami, Florida hospital after a suspected heart attack. Today (March 5), after a quietly concerning weekend, the Maybach Music Group founder is reported to have returned home. TMZ reports that the 42-year-old rapper returned to his residence early... Read more

March 5, 2018 News

Big K.R.I.T.’s First Recording Proves He’s Always Had Soul For Real (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. brings his double-LP 4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time (deemed the best 2017 Hip-Hop album by the readers of Ambrosia For Heads) to NPR's Washington, D.C. offices. There, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer put on a Tiny Desk concert that is anything but small. Performing “Mixed Messages,” “Keep The... Read more

March 5, 2018 Video

The Book of Ra. Rakim Confirms His Memoir Is Coming This Year. (Audio)

Many of Hip-Hop's best-known and greatest MCs have released autobiographies and memoirs. JAY-Z published Decoded. LL Cool J (I Make My Own Rules), Ice-T (The Ice Opinion), Snoop Dogg (Tha Doggfather), Prodigy (My Infamous Life), Eminem (The Way That I Am), Common (One Day It'll All Make Sense), 50 Cent... Read more

March 5, 2018 Audio, News

Sean Price & Prodigy’s Posthumously Released Collabo Gets An Animated Send-Off (Video)

Last year, Sean Price's fourth solo album, Imperius Rex, released. The Duck Down Music LP was eventually included in Ambrosia For Heads' "Best 15 Hip-Hop Albums" of 2017 list. It was a bittersweet honor for a collection of songs released two years after the death of the beloved MC and... Read more

March 2, 2018 Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff Explains Why Chance The Rapper Would Be A Great New Fresh Prince (Video)

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air broadcast its 148th and final episode on May 20, 1996. At that time, Will Smith was 27 years old and progressing into film for what has proven to be an incredible entertainment career. The MC-turned-actor from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had won two Grammy Awards. He... Read more

March 2, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

Wu-Tang Clan To Perform 36 Chambers At 2018 Soundset Festival

Rhymesayers Entertainment's 11th annual Soundset lineup is announced. For 2018, the Minneapolis, Minnesota Hip-Hop festival will feature some of RSE's founders and quite active artists. Event co-organizers Atmosphere will perform on the heels of reissuing their 1997 debut Overcast!. Slug, Ant, and company will be joined by Evidence, following last... Read more

February 28, 2018 Fresh

The Golden State Warriors Pass The White House To Visit African American Museum

For much of modern American sports history, champions have visited The White House and met with the President of the United States. Following their 2016-2017 NBA championship season, the Golden State Warriors refrained from a trip inside the White House gates. In September, that decision prompted some public outcry from... Read more

February 28, 2018 Lifestyle

Royce 5’9 & DJ Premier Considered Madlib For PRhyme. They Can Rock It Regardless (Video)

Last Sunday night (February 25), Royce 5'9 and DJ Premier unveiled the tracklist for March 16's PRhyme 2 album. The LP is confirmed to involve Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., 2 Chainz, and Yelawolf. It is a cast (also including CeeLo Green) that seemingly favors southern voices. Already, PRhyme 2's first video... Read more

February 28, 2018 Video

Donald Glover Reveals How He’s Hacked The Real Life Matrix

Donald Glover is at the top of his game. The 34-year-old acts, produces, raps, sings, directs, does stand-up, plays instruments, and sometimes DJs. All of those gifts appear to be converging at a career pinnacle for the artist also known to his fans as "Childish Gambino." In the last year,... Read more

February 27, 2018 Lifestyle, TV, TV/Film

Big Boi Provides Black Panther Screenings For Hospice Patients & Families (Video)

Big Boi appears to be deeply inspired by the Black Panther film. The OutKast co-founder wanted some viewers who may not be otherwise able to see the Marvel film to experience its power and glory. Yesterday (February 23), Daddy Fat Sax and his Celebrity Trailers company bought out an Atlanta,... Read more

February 24, 2018 News, TV/Film, Video

M.O.P., Apathy & Celph Titled Warn They’ll Stomp Out Rappers Like Godzilla (Audio)

Next week, Apathy is releasing The Widow's Son. The celebrated member of Demigodz and Army Of The Pharaohs has promoted his upcoming release with a plethora of exciting looks. It began with the Nottz-produced "Alien Weaponry" last month (which premiered on Ambrosia For Heads). Then, the Connecticut vet' followed up... Read more

February 23, 2018 Audio

Logic Declares Himself A Rap Champion & He Takes A 44-Bar Victory Lap (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight 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 are we able to go back... Read more

February 23, 2018 Audio

Chris Tucker Confirms Rush Hour 4 & Speaks About Whether He’ll Do Last Friday

Comedian and actor Chris Tucker has made three highly-successful Rush Hour films with Jackie Chan. The stunt-filled comedy franchise has been on an 11-year hiatus. However, in a period where the 46-year-old made a return to stand-up, Tucker has more good news. “[Rush Hour 4 is] happening," Chris Tucker confirmed... Read more

February 22, 2018 TV/Film

Roxanne Shanté’s Biopic Trailer Shows A True Survivor In The Rap Game (Video)

In just over one month, Roxanne, Roxanne will be available to the public via Netflix. On March 23, the film produced by Pharrell Williams and Forest Whitaker will tell the story of MC Roxanne Shanté. The first Rap star of Marley Marl and DJ Mr. Magic's Juice Crew (according to... Read more

February 22, 2018 TV/Film, Video

Ernest Dickerson Explains How A Book & Bus Rides Inspired Juice (Video)

Last year, Ernest R. Dickerson's Juice celebrated its 25th anniversary. The stylish cinematographer for Spike Lee made his directorial debut with the 1992 crime thriller that starred Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur, plus featured music by The Bomb Squad. The cinematographer for Krush Groove brought Hip-Hop culture to his new... Read more

February 21, 2018 TV/Film, Video

Tech N9ne Rates The Bars & He Punishes A Guest Verse From 1 Of His Songs (Video)

Tech N9ne is the latest guest on "Rate The Bars." The co-founder of Strange Music stresses that he wants to see some gangsta songwriting. The Kansas City, Missouri veteran, Indie Rap juggernaut, and member of The Regime hands out several perfect scores, praising bars that are especially rooted in street-life.... Read more

February 19, 2018 Video

This Fast-Paced Documentary On 1977 NYC Shows Hip-Hop’s Playground (Video)

From The Get Down to The Deuce, 1970s New York City has become a recent beacon of pop culture inspiration. At the time, the Big Apple seemed defined by countercultures. Within the five boroughs, politics, sex, crime, and the fight for equal rights would help shape critical advancements in music,... Read more

February 18, 2018 Throwback, TV, TV/Film, Video

Drake’s New Video Is The Most Important Thing He’s Done In His Career

Drake is among the few Hip-Hop artists who can afford to make a million-dollar music video in 2018. One of the reigning cash kings of popular culture creates all forms of his art with strong intent and frequently does things on a grand level. In making the music video to... Read more

February 16, 2018 Video

Chris Rock Admits Addiction & Infidelity In A Stand-Up Special That’s Just Released (Video)

Overnight, Chris Rock released Tamborine. The Netflix-backed stand-up special is Rock's first long-form Comedy project since 2008's Kill The Messenger. This release came without announcement, six weeks after two specials from Dave Chappelle. In his latest special, Rock admits marriage infidelity, as well as the damaging effects of his pornography... Read more

February 14, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

The Roots Will Turn 2018’s Picnic Into A Dave Chappelle-Hosted Jam Session

The Roots Picnic has become one of the culture's longest-running artist-run Hip-Hop festivals. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania event has expanded to include New York City satellite festivals, and seen its share of historic moments. The 2018 affair has been announced and will see the event playing out a little differently. On... Read more

February 14, 2018 Fresh

Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole Stand With Cozz On An Album That Shows He’s In Full Effect (Audio)

Top Dawg Entertainment and Dreamville Records are two of the most talent-packed rosters in Hip-Hop. Both labels have taken chances on lesser known MCs and provided them the resources to make cohesive, highly-conceptual albums with major label distribution, marketing, and touring. In an industry often chasing buzz, Top Dawg and... Read more

February 13, 2018 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. Rates The Bars & Hands Pimp C The Lowest Score In The Batch (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. is the latest rapper in the hot seat for "Rate The Bars." More than most, Krizzle seems to be a generous rater (handing out almost exclusively 4's and 5's). Heads have long found this artist to be generous with his music, whether giving away acclaimed mixtapes and making... Read more

February 12, 2018 Video

Yasiin Bey Says Black Star Is Working On New Music With Madlib (Audio)

This August makes 20 years since the release of Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The Rawkus Records album is a benchmark album of Hip-Hop's underground uprising, and a key introduction of Mos Def (nka Yasiin Bey), Talib Kweli, and producer DJ Hi-Tek. While Talib and Yasiin have collaborated... Read more

February 11, 2018 Audio, News

Quincy Jones Details How Michael Jackson Stole Some Of His Best Material (Video)

Quincy Jones turns 85 years old next month. The musician, arranger, producer, and celebrity is showing a side of himself that may be new to most of the public. Q is speaking fearlessly about some of his most sacred collaborators and peers. The creator of 1989's Back On The Block... Read more

February 8, 2018 News

Anderson .Paak Confirms Heavy Dr. Dre Role On Aftermath Debut

Since signing with Aftermath Entertainment back in January of 2016, Anderson .Paak has released a lot of music—but none of it has forecast his chemistry with label founder Dr. Dre. Heads, of course, heard a taste ahead of the contract, thanks to Dre's 2015 Compton album. The good doctor co-produced... Read more

February 7, 2018 News

Chris Rivers & Star Rios Honor Their Father Big Pun With Verses (Audio)

February 7 is a milestone day in Hip-Hop. It marks the birthday of J Dilla (in 1974), and also the day that Big Pun passed away, back in 2000. Typically, Pun's son Chris Rivers uses the date to pay tribute to his father, a personal and controversial figure within the... Read more

February 7, 2018 Audio

Wu-Tang Clan & Redman Are Back To Teach Lessons To Wack MCs (Video)

Last October, Wu-Tang Clan released The Saga Continues. The album marked a first for the Clan, in that DJ Mathematics assumed RZA's role as producer. Using some of The Abbott's same equipment from those early '90s joints, the Queens, New York native producer (and DJ for Red & Meth) orchestrated... Read more

February 7, 2018 Video

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

February 7, 2018 Fresh, TV/Film

Jermaine Dupri Will Be The 2nd Hip-Hop Artist Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Last February, JAY-Z was announced as the first Hip-Hop artist headed to the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. In mid-June, when the New York City ceremony took place, former President Barack Obama was among those who affirmed and celebrated Jay's lyrical contributions to music. The major moment was followed by peer... Read more

February 6, 2018 News

Snoop Dogg Has Made Reggae, Funk & Retro R&B. Now He’s Going Gospel (Video)

Snoop Dogg is a musical chameleon. Twenty-five years ago, millions of Hip-Hop Heads gravitated to the laid-back delivery and aggressive content in the Gangsta Rap style that they heard on Dr. Dre's The Chronic and Snoopy's solo debut, Doggystyle. In the periods since, Snoop has worked with a litany of musical... Read more

February 2, 2018 News, Video

Kendrick Lamar & The Weeknd’s Collabo Is Fit For A Superhero Journey (Audio)

One week from today (February 9), The Black Panther soundtrack will release on TDE/Interscope Records. With Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg at the helm, the compilation album has already witnessed strong showings from K-Dot, SZA, and Jay Rock. With the tracklist made available earlier this week, Lamar releases his latest... Read more

February 2, 2018 Audio

Former No Limit Star C-Murder Declares Hunger Strike Protesting Prison Conditions (Audio)

Twenty years ago this March, No Limit Records rapper C-Murder released his platinum solo debut, Life Or Death. The TRU and 504 Boyz member (and brother of label founder Master P) was one of No Limit's homegrown New Orleans, Louisiana success stories. That career trajectory was derailed after the artist... Read more

January 31, 2018 Audio, Lifestyle, News

Fabolous & Jadakiss Show That Being A Father To Your Child Is Timeless (Video)

2017's Friday On Elm Street album from Jadakiss and Fabolous was years in the making. As any Hip-Hop Head would expect, the Def Jam Records album is chock full of wordplay, clever punchlines, compound rhyme structures, and grabbing production (especially from Swizz Beatz). However, there is plenty of substance too,... Read more

January 29, 2018 Video

Kendrick Lamar Opens The Grammys With Dave Chappelle & A BANG (Video)

Kendrick Lamar opened the 60th Grammy Awards with a performance. Ahead of tonight's live televised event, the Compton, California MC was already awarded three trophies for "Best Music Video," "Best Rap Song," and "Best Rap Performance." In all three categories, it was DAMN. single "HUMBLE" that scored the win. When... Read more

January 28, 2018 Video

Happy Birthday Rakim. The God MC Turns 50 Years Old (Video)

It is a milestone month for legendary MCs. On January 14, LL Cool J celebrated his 50th birthday. Two weeks to the day after, Rakim also reaches this important mark. Fifty years ago today (January 28, 1968), the master lyricist was born William Michael Griffin, Jr. in New York, and... Read more

January 28, 2018 Fresh, Video

JAY-Z Explains How Saving His Marriage Set A Bigger Example (Video)

In several hours, JAY-Z will learn if he is the winner of his first "Album Of The Year," "Record Of The Year," and/or "Song Of The Year" awards at tonight's Grammy's. 4:44, "Story Of O.J.," and the title track are the vehicles that earned Shawn Carter his nominations. Aside from... Read more

January 28, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

Nas Receives Spotlight Award From The New York City Mayor’s Office

On his legendary debut album Illmatic, Nas told listeners that "nothing's equivalent to the New York state of mind." The city has played a background in Nasir Jones' lyrics for more than 25 years, and the skyline of his Queensbridge neighborhood and greater New York City has been on some... Read more

January 27, 2018 News

Vic Mensa Says His Freestyle Has No Shots At Joe Budden. You Be The Judge. (Audio)

Last week, Drake released a two-song project known as Scary Hours that spawned a very exciting week in music. "God's Plan" set a new record for single-day streams. Meanwhile, "Diplomatic Immunity" reignited year-and-a-half old beef with Joe Budden. It's been an especially busy month for Joe, who some past Shady... Read more

January 26, 2018 Audio

15 Years Ago Chappelle’s Show Made Its Debut & Changed The Comedy Game (Video)

Just three weeks ago, Dave Chappelle helped fans ring in 2018 with two new stand-up comedy specials, Equanimity, and The Bird Revelation. These were the third and fourth 2017 Netflix specials for the superstar in a full-on return to the stage, screen, and the public eye. This week (January 22)... Read more

January 25, 2018 Do Remember, TV, TV/Film, Video

50 Cent Now Denies Bagging Up On Cryptocurrency

UPDATE: In documents obtained by TMZ, 50 Cent has denied his previous claims that he profited greatly on cryptocurrency. The G-Unit head denied income from the investment in his bankruptcy filing documents. "[I have] never owned and [do] not now own, a Bitcoin account or any Bitcoins," stated the rapper... Read more

January 24, 2018 News

Mary J. Blige Is A Double-Threat. Her Acting & Voice Earn Her 2 Oscar Nominations

Less than one month into 2018, and it appears to be a milestone year for Mary J. Blige. The New York native songstress already received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, with a presentation by Diddy. This took place on the "Family Affair" singer's 47th birthday, January 11.... Read more

January 23, 2018 Audio, News, TV/Film, Video

Erick Sermon’s New Album Features Method Man, AZ, GFK & More. Here’s The 1st Song (Audio)

In 2017, EPMD announced that they were working on a concept album. Dynamic Duos: Big Business is slated to be the Long Island, New York duo's eighth album in a series that dates back more than 30 years. The first LP in almost a decade comes after a reported Roc... Read more

January 23, 2018 Audio, News

Get Out, Jordan Peele & Daniel Kaluuya Receive Oscar Nominations (Video)

The 90th Academy Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, March 4 from Hollywood, California's Dolby Theater. Given this morning's (January 23) nominations announcing, Oscar night promises to be exciting, especially for fans of Jordan Peele's Get Out. The thriller examining inter-race relations behind closed doors is up for four Oscar... Read more

January 23, 2018 News, TV, TV/Film

DOOM Punishes Childish MCs On His First Verses Of 2018 (Audio)

Last Friday, Joey Bada$$ paid tribute to MF DOOM on his single, "King To A God." “I sell rhymes like dimes that leaves MFs doomed / Since my first tunes I’ve been raisin’ hell from the tombs / I’m getting hotter every June / You say you with the smoke,... Read more

January 22, 2018 Audio

Star From “Star & Buc Wild” Replaces Joe Budden As “Everyday Struggle” Co-Host (Video)

In the closing days of 2017, Joe Budden announced his departure from The Everyday Struggle. The host, MC, and reality TV personality exited after he was not able to negotiate a new contract with Complex, who produces the weekday talk show. Co-hosts DJ Akademiks and Nadeska Alexis used guests including... Read more

January 22, 2018 News, Video

Redman Rates The Bars & He’s Not Afraid To Hand Out Zeros (Video)

Last week, T.I. rated the bars. The Grand Hustle Records founder put some of his artists and close affiliates ahead of Tupac Shakur, leading to some interesting discourse from fans. This week, it is Redman who sits in the director chair and rates the MCs' bars handed to him on... Read more

January 22, 2018 Video