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TDE’s Roster Is Full Of Champions. The Label Announces A 2018 Award Tour

Just 22 days into 2018 TDE appears sending a message about their top dog status in the music industry. With a Kendrick Lamar and SZA-heavy Grammy Awards airing in less than a week (January 28), and a Black Panther soundtrack to follow on February 9, Top Dawg Entertainment has now announced... Read more

Chicago Rapper Fredo Santana Has Died At The Age Of 27

Fredo Santana has become one of Chicago, Illinois' emerging voices. He was active in his city's 2010s movement and also worked with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Migos, Juelz Santana, and his cousin Chief Keef throughout his seven-plus-year career. This morning (January 20), sources including Drake have reacted to the reported death... Read more

TDE’s SiR Leaves Inglewood For A Snowy & Seductive Getaway (Video)

In less than 24 hours, SiR will release his November album. Slated for January 19, this LP marks TDE's first album release of 2018. The Black Panther soundtrack will soon follow on February 9, before Jay Rock's third (presently untitled) album is expected to arrive. Throughout the decade, TDE has... Read more

Big Daddy Kane Details The Rich History Of How The Juice Crew Started (Video)

Big Daddy Kane is the latest guest on Drink Champs. The Brooklyn, New York lyrical legend is in a casual mood, often joking during the three-hour episode. N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN interview the Juice Crew MC about a number of highlights from his life and career. There are probing questions... Read more

Public Enemy Are Being Inducted Into The Grammy Hall Of Fame Because They Fought The Power

Public Enemy is a legendary Hip-Hop act that never received a Grammy Award. The Long Island, New York-based collective joins icons such as Eric B. & Rakim, Scarface, Nas, and Snoop Dogg with that distinction. Ahead of this month's 60th Grammy Awards (January 28), it has been announced that Public... Read more

T.I. Rates The Bars. He Gives Iggy Azalea More Love Than Tupac (Video)

"Rate The Bars" is a fun series that can test a rapper's objectivity. MCs are often handed lyrics by artists in their crews, from their same cities, or even rivals and past enemies. Raekwon, Royce 5'9 and Rah Digga have all had potent things to say about excerpts that are... Read more

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Go Off Again In Their Latest Collaboration (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

Raekwon Goes Back To The Good Ol’ Days Of His Youth Over ’70s Soul (Audio)

Raekwon is three songs deep in a young 2018. Just over one week after the Wu-Tang Clan swordsman hit Heads off with a combo punch in "The Sky" and "The Biz," the Staten Island, New Yorker is back for more. Like those previous sample-based records joints, the quick-strike "It's A... Read more

Joe Budden Says Eminem Did Not Diss Him & There Is No Beef (Video)

This week, a series of events have signaled one of 2018's first Rap conflicts. Eminem's "Chloraseptic (Remix)" verse was very clearly aimed at those who seem to be criticizing his latest direction and Revival album. Hours later, one of Em's former D12 band-mates, and onetime Shady Records artists, Bizarre, said... Read more

D12’s Bizarre Says Eminem Sent Shots At Joe Budden On His New Song (Video)

Yesterday (January 8) Eminem released the "Chloraseptic (Remix)." In a grabbing new verse alongside bars from 2 Chainz and Phresher, Marshall Mathers confronts critics, haters, and naysayers of his artistic direction, especially 2017 album, Revival. According to at least one Shady Records artist (and somebody with more than 20 years... Read more

Eminem Responds To His Critics With A Remix That Revives His New Album (Audio)

Three weeks after Eminem released Revival, he knows that his ninth album may have some fans questioning their faith in Marshall Mathers' music-making. Although Em' stayed mostly quiet since December 15, the Shady Records founder breaks his silence with a new verse courtesy of the "Chloraseptic (Remix)." It arrives with... Read more

Uncle Murda Rates Skillz’ Diss A 1 Out Of 10. So How Does His Response Measure Up? (Audio)

Last week (January 3), veteran Virginia lyricist Skillz dropped a significant and scathing diss towards Brooklyn, New York MC Uncle Murda. The impetus was a two-year-old dispute surrounding the concept of "Year End Raps." Skillz alleged that in late 2015, Murda (who now uses the name "Lenny Grant" on records)... Read more

Lupe Fiasco Says Kendrick Lamar Is Not A Top Tier Lyricist

In the eyes of many Hip-Hop fans, Chicago's Lupe Fiasco was an exciting addition to the music and culture during the mid-2000s. In his first two albums, a slew of mixtapes, and a la carte songs, the Chicago, Illinois native won over the masses and represented a new guard of... Read more

Mary J. Blige To Be Presented Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star By Puff Daddy

Thirty years ago, Mary J. Blige recorded an Anita Baker cover at a kiosk in a Westchester, New York mall. From that teenager's rendition of "Caught Up In The Rapture" (which would get her signed by Uptown Records), the Bronx native has taken her talents to the Walk Of Fame... Read more

JAY-Z, Beyoncé & Blue Ivy Show How When A Family Feuds, Nobody Wins (Video)

JAY-Z's latest 4:44 video is now available for all to view. "Family Feud" is one of the Grammy-nominated album's richest and most significant moments. The single addresses the infidelity that nearly cost the Carters their marriage. The No I.D.-produced song also alludes to the efforts to rebuild the trust, the... Read more

Bruno Mars’ Fly Video Is A Throwback Dedication To In Living Color

Few Pop superstars are as nostalgic as Bruno Mars. "Locked Out Of Heaven" called back to Sting and The Police. His Mark Ronson 2016 "Record Of The Year" collaboration "Uptown Funk" channeled Morris Day & The Time. In an interview with Zane Lowe, Bruno traced the Electro-Funk of "24K Magic"... Read more

Daz Dillinger & The Twinz’ Funky Video Is 3 OG’s Kicking Street Wisdom In The LBC

Tha Dogg Pound's Daz Dillinger makes a lot of music after 25 years. The MC/producer who reps Long Beach, California starts off 2018 with some of that G-Funk that his fans crave. "Hard Life" reunites one of the most recognized voices of the DPG family with Warren G's onetime proteges,... Read more

Kendrick Lamar & Big K.R.I.T. Are Battling For Best Rap Album Of 2017 & It Is CLOSE

For more than two weeks, Ambrosia For Heads has asked readers and fans to determine the "Best Rap Album Of 2017." With AFH's Top 15 provided, readers were offered a Wild Card option to vote in an album pick that may have been overlooked. With the resulting "Sweet 16" in place,... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 8): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big Sean

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 7): JAY-Z vs. CyHi The Prynce

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 6): Brother Ali vs. Oddisee

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

JAY-Z’s Smile Video Is A Tender Portrait Of His Mother’s Struggle With Her Sexuality

After releasing them exclusively via TIDAL a few weeks ago, today (December 22) JAY-Z makes three more 4:44 visuals widely available-- "Marcy Me," "Legacy," and "Smile." Especially in the case of the last of those three videos, these are as polished and artful as any video companion to music in... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 5): Big K.R.I.T. vs. J.I.D.

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s Latest Video Shows The Many Complexities Of Love

Kendrick Lamar continues to roll out videos in promotion and celebration of DAMN. The Grammy Awards are a little more than a month ahead, and the TDE/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records #1 album is a focal point of the January 28 evening, including being  an "Album Of The Year" contender. After several... Read more

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 4): Drake vs. Logic

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

Joe Budden Provides A Timeline Of Events For Why He Left Everyday Struggle (Audio)

In 2017, Joe Budden added a new column to his extensive resumé: talk show host. The veteran Jersey City, New Jersey MC and Slaughterhouse member had expanded his music career to reality television and podcasts in the last decade. Teaming with Complex journalist Nadeska Alexis and prominent social media influencer... Read more

Dipset Uses Their Reunion Video To Show That They’ve Really Made Peace

Last month, Cam'ron and Jim Jones released the single "Once Upon A Time." The song's lyrics reveal that Dame Dash once confronted Harvey Weinstein about his behavior towards women 15 years ago. Dame has since clarified the report to recall a slightly different story. However, it is the symbolism of... Read more

Eminem Addresses The Lack Of Dr. Dre Beats On Revival (Audio)

In mid-2017, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine released documentary The Defiant Ones. One of the focal points in the parallel documentaries on the two music producers, onetime label heads, and business partners is Eminem. Twenty years ago, Iovine handed Dre a cassette tape of Eminem's Rap Olympics battle performance and... Read more

DOOM Mourns The Death Of His 14-Year-Old Son

UPDATE (12/31/20): MF DOOM has passed away. In a developing story, the legendary MC's wife and record label have revealed that he died in late October. The man born Daniel Dumile leaves behind a rich legacy as a top lyricist, innovative producer, and one of Hip-Hop history's best comeback stories.... Read more

As Kobe Bryant’s Jersey Numbers Are Retired A Video Shows That Basketball Was Always His #1

When Kobe Bryant became a Los Angeles Laker, his two high school numbers were not available. #33 was out of the question, the retired jersey belonging to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Between Fred Roberts and George McCloud, #24 was also not available. The 18-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania adapted and got in where... Read more

Run The Jewels Bring On The Apocalypse In Their Latest RTJ3 Video

As 2017 lists (including Ambrosia For Heads' year-end list announcement) are pouring in, Run The Jewels is still set on adding to the album they released in the closing days of '16. RTJ3 and the tour that followed seemingly put Killer Mike and El-P's mid-2010s creation on a higher plane.... Read more

N*E*R*D Hand Kendrick Lamar The Mic Again. Their Second Collabo Flies (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

U-God Can’t Let Wu-Tang’s Saga Continue Without Getting Involved. He Joins A Remix (Audio)

Founding Wu-Tang Clan member U-God is missing from this year's The Saga Continues album. Following his $2.5 million lawsuit against RZA and management over unpaid royalties, the MC appeared more than a golden-arm's length away from the rest of his brothers. Meanwhile, longtime Wu family members like Redman, Cappadonna, and... Read more

Debra Lee Is Stepping Away From Running BET After Leading For More Than A Decade

Since 2005, Debra L. Lee has served as the Chairman & CEO of BET Networks. While, one of the most powerful Black women in all of media will retain both of her current titles, today (December 14), it has been announced that Lee is stepping away from her day-to-day duties... Read more

Busta Rhymes Gets Amped Up In 1 Of His Few Verses Of The Year (Audio)

Busta Rhymes was a man of few raps in 2017. After a strong campaign alongside his brothers from A Tribe Called Quest, the Native Tongues alum carefully picked his spots. Especially in the case of a Rapsody Laila's Wisdom appearance and a coast-crossing A$AP Ferg remix with Snoop Dogg, those... Read more

Kevin Hart Comes Clean On Cheating & How He’s Fixing A Family Feud (Video)

One of the biggest themes for top entertainers in 2017 is admitting the mistake of marital infidelity while saving the family. JAY-Z took it to music with many of his most personal lines in the Grammy-nominated 4:44. In his own way and circumstances, Kevin Hart is doing the same. The... Read more

J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar Join Jeezy On An All-Star Collabo (Audio)

UPDATE: After video footage previewed a sizable clip of the song, Jeezy's full, official "American Dream" releases. The Pressure single is a pointed collaboration with both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. This song may not be as Heads expected on paper. Kendrick Lamar provides some melodic singing near the track's... Read more

Michael Che Becomes SNL’s First Head Writer Of Color

Saturday Night Live is a television mainstay dating back to 1975. In those 42 years, NBC's sketch comedy show has catapulted the careers of Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and countless others. This week, it was announced that Lorne Michaels' show has appointed its first... Read more

Kendrick Lamar & N*E*R*D’s Collabo Is Inspired By Lethal Law Enforcement Stops (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

Big K.R.I.T. Flips Nas’ 1996 Message Into A Freestyle For The Ages (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. appeared on Sway In The Morning this week to promote his new double-album 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time. After discussing the Multi Alumni release with Sway, Heather B, and Tracy G, the acclaimed Mississippi artist could not leave without dropping some freestyle flavor. And boy, did he... Read more

The LOX & Statik Selektah Still Make The Kind Of Hip-Hop That 90s Era Fans Love (Video)

Three months ago today, The LOX and Statik Selektah released "But You Don't Hear Me Tho." The soulful collaboration, also featuring James Mtume served as a nostalgic early look into Statik's 8 album. Today (December 8), that ShowOff Records/Duck Down Music LP releases. Thus, it's just the right time for... Read more

Eminem Details The Making Of His Raging Freestyle Storm Against Donald Trump

One of the most memorable televised Rap performances of the last 20 years came courtesy of Eminem and Elton John. Although Dido famously sang on "Stan" (it was her would-be hit "Thank You" that producer 45 King sampled), the diamond-certified John stepped in during 2001's Grammy Awards. Besides the great... Read more

After 15 Years Of Disses, JAY-Z & Jaz-O Have Reunited

JAY-Z has reunited with many of the key players from his past—even after bitterness or hostility. In 2005, Jay and Nas famously put beef to bed in New Jersey. The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder has been photographed with Dame Dash multiple times since the artist and manager parted ways. Beanie Sigel and... Read more

Joyner Lucas Takes The Drug Pushing Rappers Of His Generation To Task (Audio)

Joyner Lucas is an MC who likes causes and concepts. Last week, the Worcester, Massachusetts native released the captivating video to "I'm Not Racist."  That symbolic visual created a dramatic face-off out of some of the conversations that exist on social media and used Lucas' songwriting to put the two... Read more

U-God & DJ Green Lantern Release Full Bring Back God II Mixtape (Audio)

UPDATE: U-God and DJ Green Lantern have released Bring Back God II, available for full stream and free download. Additionally, the Wu-Tang Clan MC revealed his fifth solo album, Venom, will release March 6 through Babygrande Records.  Additionally, the Wu-Tang Clan member has announced a series of concerts for... Read more

Nipsey Hussle Is Releasing His 1st Major Label Album & It’s On His Terms (Video)

For more than a decade, Nipsey Hussle has had a unique relationship with record labels. From a peer class that seemed to covet contracts, "Neighborhood Nip" was among the first rappers to prove he did not need company backing. Like his musical content, the MC shows his intelligence and grit... Read more

Dame Dash Clarifies Reports Of Smacking Harvey Weinstein In The Past (Video)

Two different November Cam'ron verses have unearthed two very controversial stories. His mixtape The Program begins with an intro that reignited longstanding tensions between Cam' and Ma$e. "It's Killa" told a 1997 story that, at least according to Cam'ron, is the reason that Ma$e left a multi-platinum music career for a... Read more

DMX Performs For The First Time Ever With A Live Band (Video)

Many of DMX's hits had a distinct sound. Especially in his work with Swizz Beatz, X had a synthetic sound that pulled Rap music away from the sample-covers of the late 1990s. While the Yonkers, New York superstar certainly tried his hand at that style too, tracks like "Ruff Ryders... Read more

The Feds Want Martin Shkreli’s $2MM Wu-Tang Clan Album & His Copy Of Lil Wayne’s Carter 5

Pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli is currently incarcerated. He is awaiting a sentencing of up to 20 years for federal securities fraud. In the meantime, federal prosecutors today (December 1) motioned that the 34-year-old use assets to pay $7.4 million for his crimes. For Hip-Hop fans, those assets include a multi-million... Read more

Cam’ron Accuses Ma$e Of Lying & Doubles Down On His Disses (Video)

On Monday (November 27), Ma$e called into Ebro In The Morning to state his side of the latest chapter of beef with Cam'ron. The multi-platinum veteran accused his former Children Of The Corn band-mate of being "a bully," and compromising his income and his family's happiness by creating an allegedly... Read more