Bandini

God May Forgive, But Apparently Rick Ross Does Not. Ask Meek Mill… (Video)

It will soon be nine years since Rick Ross and 50 Cent entered a beef. According to some theories, that conflict reportedly began over 50 Cent complimenting Ross on an album milestone while warning him to not associate with Fat Joe in 2008. Later that year, a reported glance at... Read more

August 29, 2017 Video

While Some Throw Shade At Joey Bada$$, He’s Still Shinin’ (Video)

The past week has been a controversial one for Joey Bada$$. Prior to the total eclipse, the Brooklyn MC was outspoken about the furor over special glasses to watch the eclipse, tweeting "Am I crazy for watching the eclipse today w no glasses? I've sungazed before and afterwards saw colors... Read more

August 29, 2017 Video

Trae Tha Truth Rescues Hurricane Harvey Evacuees By Boat (Video)

UPDATE: Trae Tha Truth has now launched a crowd-funding site for Hurricane Harvey victims. ORIGINAL AUGUST 29 STORY: Since the mid-2000s, Trae Tha Truth has become a figurehead of Houston's Hip-Hop scene. At a time of dire need, the Hustle Gang member (and label VP) has stepped up in a... Read more

August 29, 2017 Lifestyle, News, Video

DOOM Drops Rhymes Like Old Shoes On His Latest Notebook Release (Audio)

DOOM's The Missing Notebook Rhymes series pushes onward. The fourth installment in the Adult Swim weekly campaign is just that: "Notebook 3." The Supervillain cracks his composition book and pulls out some verses that appear to be in that trademark stream of consciousness. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica... Read more

August 29, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller & Kevin Gates Re-Heat The Summer With A Cold Collabo (Audio)

In three different pockets of Rap music, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Kevin Gates are three stars of the 2010s. Critically and commercially, these three artists are leaders within their classes, not in the same ways, and certainly not with the same styles. Kendrick and Mac have decorated collaborative history,... Read more

August 29, 2017 Audio

Action Bronson Samples Food AND Music & He’s Not Stopping (Audio)

Just days ago (August 25), Action Bronson released Blue Chips 7000. The third and now-confirmed final installment of the mixtape series closes out an important chapter in the Queens, New Yorker MC's career. In 2012, when his first Party Supplies-produced tape launched, Action was an emerging Hip-Hop voice. In mid-'17,... Read more

August 28, 2017 Audio, Fresh

Teen Bresha Meadows Stood Up To Her Abusive Father. Talib Kweli Tells Her Story (Audio)

In July of 2016, Warren, Ohio teenager Bresha Meadows fatally shot her father, reportedly as he slept. The 14-year-old killed Jonathan Meadows after years of physical abuse, which also included her brothers and mother, according to relatives. Despite the evidence of abuse, Meadows was charged with aggravated murder. Bresha and... Read more

August 28, 2017 Audio, Lifestyle

See The Full Historic Conversation & Cypher Between Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus & DMX (Video)

Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop was in crosswinds. Microphones were grabbed by emerging voices from across the landscape, geographically, stylistically, and regarding content. As the genre collected itself following the sudden and tragic killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, it wanted new sounds, messages, and conversations. Mos Def & Dave... Read more

August 28, 2017 Throwback, Video

Kendrick Lamar Set The VMAs On Fire & Then He Humbly Won 6 Awards (Video)

Last night (August 27), the 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards took place at Inglewood, California's The Forum. The 2017 VMAs (and its reformatted list of categories) opened with the focus on Kendrick Lamar. The MC who has enjoyed #1's, platinum certifications, and other televised awards this calendar year kicked... Read more

August 28, 2017 News, Video

Grandmaster Flash Has A New Message And It’s Aimed At Kool Herc & Afrika Bambaataa (Video)

Earlier this month, Hip-Hop celebrated its 44th birthday. Just like holidays for some families and groups of friends, it was not without some drama. Fans may have missed it, but some legendary shots appeared to be thrown—by one of Hip-Hop's pioneers towards another one of its founding figureheads. The issue... Read more

August 26, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

D’Angelo & DJ Premier Cooked Up This Remix Years Before They Made Devil’s Pie (Audio)

In 1998, D'Angelo cut up a slice of "Devil's Pie" with Gang Starr's DJ Premier. The metaphoric groove appeared in Belly (and its soundtrack), and also on the Virginia singer's sophomore LP, Voodoo. The beat that Canibus reportedly passed on became just the injection the man born Michael Archer hoped... Read more

August 23, 2017 Throwback

Public Enemy Still Got Game & Chuck D Wants The Ball (Video)

Public Enemy already blessed fans with a free new album this summer. Nothing Is Quick In The Desert (Except Death) is still making its rounds. Meanwhile, in addition to Chuck D and DJ Lord's ramping up with Prophets Of Rage towards a full-length album, P.E. stays moving. Public Enemy Release Its... Read more

August 23, 2017 Video

Scarface Shares A Snippet Of His New Music. It’s About To Get Ugly (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 23, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Redman Rocks An Electronic Beat & His Verses Are Charged Up (Video)

While Heads wait on Muddy Waters 2, Redman charges up his 1000Volts project. The Def Squad MC's group with DJ Jayceeoh gets a towering new visual in "Monster." This is an Electronic group fronted by Funk Doc's raps. In 1995, Redman Reloaded Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” With A Machine Gun... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

Questlove Explains The Roots’ Album Delay & Declares A Deadline (Video)

Between 2004 and 2014, The Roots released nine titles, not including two compilations. Following 2014's ...and then you shoot your cousin, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania representatives have not dropped a project. Most nights, Questlove, Black Thought and the rest of the band appear on television. The act and its individual members... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

DOOM & Alchemist Together Is Two Thumbs Up For Hip-Hop (Audio)

Out of the same underground Hip-Hop scene that MF DOOM helped lead in the late 1990s, Alchemist exploded. Like DOOM, ALC is an MC/producer double threat with a penchant for library record samples, 1970s vibes, and intoxicating grooves. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio) Following the circulation... Read more

August 22, 2017 Audio

Keak Da Sneak Recovering From Shooting, Upgraded To Stable Condition

UPDATE: After being shot yesterday (August 21), rapper Keak Da Sneak has been upgraded to stable condition. Still hospitalized, the Oakland, California veteran MC underwent surgery following a Monday morning shooting in Richmond, California. The East Bay Times reports that the 39-year-old member of 3X Krazy was found on the... Read more

August 22, 2017 News

Wyclef Says Only Dave Chappelle Can Get The Fugees Back Together

Last month, Funkmaster Flex played a Fugees song on his HOT 97 radio show. While never before heard by most Hip-Hop Heads, details got a bit murky as to how "new" the track really was. Ms. Lauryn Hill confirmed it was "an old track played around with back in the... Read more

August 22, 2017 Fresh

Don Flamingo Has Co-Signs From JAY-Z & The LOX Because He’s That Good (Video)

JAY-Z's Roc Nation roster has a deep bench. The days when it was Jay, plus J. Cole and Jay Electronica have long passed. From The LOX to Vic Mensa, Jim Jones and so forth, there's a lot going on. Louisiana's Don Flamingo may not be a name Heads hear as... Read more

August 22, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Black Thought Slows His Flow On A New Verse With Sum (Audio)

In 2017, Black Thought has been a busy man. While The Roots are reportedly working on their twelfth album with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and DJ J. Period, Tariq Trotter has doled out dope verses all calendar long. From DangerDOOM to David Banner, Logic to Posdnuos and Pharoahe Monch, there... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

DJ Premier & His Band Rock Funky Beats From Nas To Gang Starr To KRS (Video)

As Hip-Hop celebrates its 44th birthday this month, NPR "Tiny Desk" concert honors the DJ in a way that Heads can appreciate. DJ Premier is the first mix-master on the popular video series, but he did arrive alone. This summer, DJ Premier & The Badder Band toured the United States... Read more

August 21, 2017 Video

Action Bronson & Rick Ross Are 2 Rap Heavyweights With Blue Chip Skills (Audio)

At the top of the decade, imagining Action Bronson and Rick Ross together on a song may have been a reach. Bronson was a symbol of New York City DIY Hip-Hop, upholding the '90s sound that influences him. Meanwhile, Ross was ushering in the sound of the clubs, making pounding... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

Heltah Skeltah’s Rock Is Releasing A Star-Studded Solo Album. The New Video Is Heat

Earlier this month, Sean Price's Imperius Rex album released. The Duck Down Music LP debuted in the Top 200 and marked an acclaimed posthumous LP for the beloved Brooklyn, New York lyricist. Sean's longtime Heltah Skelktah partner is next up to bat, with a symbolic tribute for P! Rock has... Read more

August 21, 2017 News, Video

JAY-Z Says Kanye West Crossed The Line When He Talked About Jay’s Wife & Kids (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 20, 2017 Audio

Scarface Has A New Album Coming & He Shares Exclusive New Music (Video)

It's been a busy month for Scarface. The Houston, Texas legend closed July with footage of himself and longtime producer N.O. Joe in the studio. The MC/beat-maker pair responsible for “The Diary,” “Seen A Man Die,” “Smile,” and “Mary Jane” (co-productions) is at work on what appears to be 'Face's... Read more

August 19, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

JAY-Z Addresses Checking Kanye & Why They Have Not Spoken Since (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

Page Kennedy U-Turns & Dumps Fire With 11 Mixtape Tracks Of Straight Bars (Audio)

Earlier this year, Detroit, Michigan MC Page Kennedy released a strong debut album in Torn Pages. This 20-year rhyme veteran has made a living from acting, with such roles as "U-Turn" in Weeds, "Radon Randell" in Mountain State, and a film spot in S.W.A.T. In all of that time, his... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

Lupe Fiasco’s Latest Video Looks At The Country’s Exports, For Better & Way Worse

In a week where the nation appears as divided as its been in ages, Lupee Fiasco releases a different kind of patriotism in "Made In The U.S.A." The Drogas Light single looks at the good and bad exports of the United States. "My Glock came from Smyrna, Georgia (bang, bang,... Read more

August 18, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Presents New Sides Of Himself As Lupita Nyong’o Shows Many Faces (Video)

On recent Fridays, JAY-Z has publicly shared the music videos from June's 4:44 album. Taking a page from Beyoncé's Lemonade, Hov' apparently made visuals to his entire No I.D.-produced 13th solo album. JAY-Z Admits Infidelity & Explains His Issues With Kanye West On His New Album (Audio) The "MaNyfacedGod" music... Read more

August 18, 2017 Video

50 Cent Claims Responsibility For “Power” Episode Leak

Hip-Hop has a long history of artists bootlegging their own material. During his frustrations with former label Death Row Records, Tha Dogg Pound's Daz Dillinger sold a number of independent albums of material from Tha Row vaults, including Tupac recordings. Rapper Blu threw copies of his No York album into... Read more

August 16, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film

Bun B Drops Jewels On How An Artist’s First 3 Albums Should Progress (Video)

UGK released three albums in the 1990s. There was great progression between 1992's Too Hard To Swallow, 1994's Super Tight, and 1996's gold-certified Ridin' Dirty. Bun B and Pimp C entered as Port Arthur, Texas' take on Gangsta Rap, and evolved to pioneers of their own sub-genre of Slab Music.... Read more

August 16, 2017 Video

In A Tumultuous Week, Hip-Hop Remains The Great Unifier (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 16, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Rhyme Pays. Ice-T Offers Rare Access To His High Roller Lifestyle (Video)

Ice-T's album-making career began 30 years ago with Rhyme Pays. Even ahead of his Rap fame, Tracy Morrow had accumulated symbols of wealth from his days in the streets of Los Angeles, California. Those accounts of jewelry store heists and hustlin' gave Ice-T a spectrum of experiences to pull from... Read more

August 15, 2017 Video

Jamila Woods’ Colorful “LSD” Video Features Some Chance Acid Rap

Jamila Woods' contributions on Chance The Rapper's 2016 Coloring Book were some of that album's most essential. The Chicago, Illinois singer, poet, and educator has a long history with her peer, friend, and collaborator. From her just-formally released Heavn LP, the Windy City multi-talents re-link for the "LSD" music video.... Read more

August 15, 2017 Video

The Fat Boys Discuss Not Getting Their Props As Hip-Hop Heavyweights

The Fat Boys were some of Hip-Hop's first stars. On wax and on screen, Prince Markie Dee, Buff Love, and Kool Rock-Ski translated as bigger than life personas. However, by the time 1987's Crushin' did just that on the charts, the newly-platinum trio seemed to "Wipeout" with some Hip-Hop purists.... Read more

August 14, 2017 Fresh

J. Cole Is Executive Producing A Rather Unique Coming Of Age Documentary (Video)

J. Cole has written many songs about growing up in North Carolina and later moving to New York City as an adult. Cole, who was born in Germany, is gifted in showing unique perspectives on culture through his revealing writing. Songs like "Ville Mentality" and "A Tale Of 2 Citiez"... Read more

August 14, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Why MCs Avoid The Term “Christian Rap” Like It’s A Dirty Word (Video)

Less than three years ago, Lecrae reached the top of the pop charts with Anomaly. The Reach Records release, which subsequently went gold, marked a new pinnacle for what is commonly referred to as "Christian Rap." In this week's episode of TBD, Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the weird... Read more

August 12, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Method Man Shows His Skills Are Still Sky High In A New Video From The Meth Lab

It's been more than two years since Method Man has released a project. However, the Wu-Tang Clan MC has been in generous spirits. He has made high impact features with band-mate Masta Killa and another verse this week for late friend Sean Price. Mr. Mef' also continues to help affiliates... Read more

August 12, 2017 Video

Busta Rhymes & Snoop Dogg Take A$AP Ferg’s Song To A New Level (Video)

A$AP Ferg is a student of the 1990s Rap scene. It's in his fashion, his cars, and his frequent choice of features—and more importantly, in his lyrics. Whereas A$AP Rocky was deeply influenced by UGK and Three 6 Mafia, Ferg has openly stated his influence from acts like Wu-Tang Clan,... Read more

August 11, 2017 Video

Long Before DMX, JAY-Z & Ja Rule Were Murdering MCs, They Had Time To Build (Audio)

In the late 1990s, DMX, JAY-Z, and Ja Rule came together for two incredible collaborations. On Jay's Streets Is Watching soundtrack from early 1998, "Murdergram" showed that these grimy, overly irritated MCs hit their marks when they were together. In pivoting to Ja Rule's 1999 debut Venni Vetti Vecci, "It's... Read more

August 10, 2017 Do Remember

DOOM Is Opening His Missing Notebook Of Rhymes & Releasing 15 New Songs (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 9, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Large Professor Helped Take Nas Over The Top. Now He Tries It With Fashawn (Audio)

In the early 1990s, Large Professor was a master mentor to fellow young MCs. While the Main Source front-man was pivoting to his solo career, he mentored Nas, Akinyele, and Organized Konfusion, among others. Starting with "Live At The Barbeque" in 1991, it was clear by Illmatic that Nas had... Read more

August 9, 2017 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Discusses What Makes A Wack MC & Why No GOAT Uses Writers

Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. reached the top of the charts for a second time in the last month. The April release from the TDE/Aftermath Entertainment artist has set a new benchmark for a decorated 2010s Hip-Hop career. Speaking with Rolling Stone in Georgia, K-Dot touched upon the album, his family dynamic,... Read more

August 9, 2017 Fresh

One Train Operator Gives New Meaning To “South Bronx Subway Rap” (Video)

In the film soundtrack to Wild Style, Cold Crush Brothers MC Grandmaster Caz famously spit the "South Bronx Rap." That classic track was later used for Nas' Illmatic intro and countless other places. While much has changed in New York City since the early 1980s, the relationship between subway trains... Read more

August 8, 2017 Video

The Roots & Bilal Give A Stunningly Powerful Performance With A Full Orchestra (Video)

Late last month, The Roots and Bilal released "It Ain't Fair." The Detroit soundtrack single is jarring, as it applies to racial and social injustice in 1967, as well as in 2017. The song and its message are not going away. This partial Soulquarians reunion is bigger than just one... Read more

August 8, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Chuck D, B-Real & Rage Against The Machine Get Radical For Freedom (Audio)

Approaching their self-titled full-length debut, Prophets Of Rage are armed with new music and plenty going on in the world, for material. "Radical Eyes" is the latest. With a funky nod similar to 1991 Public Enemy classic "By The Time I Get To Arizona," Chuck and company call for action. B-Real... Read more

August 8, 2017 Audio

Boot Camp Clik & Wu-Tang Clan Join Forces On A Song That Makes You Duck Down (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

August 8, 2017 Audio, Playlists

A New Biggie Documentary Features Unreleased Footage And Nas & JAY-Z Rapping His Lyrics (Video)

In less than one month, the Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. documentary will air on television. This is the first doc authorized by the rapper's estate, and contains never before released audio of Biggie talking. It will feature Biggie's wife Faith Evans, his mother Voletta Wallace, his right-hand man... Read more

August 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Def Jam Records May Soon Be The Gold Standard For Rap Once Again (Video)

This week, it was announced that Eminem's manager and Shady Records partner Paul Rosenberg will be Def Jam's next CEO. Twenty years ago, the Detroit-based attorney started handling the career of Marshall Mathers when the rapper was self-marketing Infinite. One hundred million units sold later (through Shady Records), and Paul... Read more

August 5, 2017 Video

Sean Price, Prodigy & Styles P Are The 3 Lyrical Ps (Audio)

Sean Price's Imperius Rex album is less than a week away. To build anticipation for the beloved MC's posthumous LP, Duck Down releases "The 3 Lyrical P's." Among the album with features from DOOM, Method Man, and members of Boot Camp Clik, this track speaks for itself. Styles P and... Read more

August 3, 2017 Audio