Bandini

Nick Grant Spits A Blazing Hot Freestyle That Melts Raekwon’s Ice Cream (Video)

At the top of 2017, Nick Grant released his major label debut album, Return Of The Cool. The Epic Records artist chose a bold title, but he's backed it up. South Carolina's own has made a name for himself through sheer skills above feature-driven guest-work. Through dope freestyle appearances, well-executed... Read more

February 26, 2017 Video

Remy Ma Is Out To Ether Nicki Minaj. These 7 Minutes May Make Nick Lean Back (Audio)

In the last 48 hours, Nicki Minaj's fiery appearance on "Make Love" led many to believe that the Cash Money/Young Money Queen was gunning for crosstown MC, Remy Ma. Going strictly off ill subliminals, it would be hard to say who struck first, in a series of raps where the... Read more

February 25, 2017 Audio

Do Remember When Soul II Soul Took A Classic Hip-Hop Beat & Kept It Movin’ (Video)

In 1989, Soul II Soul's unique blend of R&B, Dance, and Hip-Hop music not only crossed oceans from its British origins, it had everybody crossing the dance-floor to find a partner. Before "Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)" would be a pillar of "acapella-cool," another Club Classics, Vol. 1... Read more

February 23, 2017 Do Remember

Thundercat & Kendrick Lamar Stay In The Groove On “Walk On By” (Audio)

Although he is not a Hip-Hop artist, Thundercat has been at the epicenter of the massive 2010s Rap movement in Southern California. The Los Angeles musician and vocalist has a particular bond with Kendrick Lamar. The pair have won Grammy Awards together, care of To Pimp A Butterfly songs like... Read more

February 22, 2017 Audio

Everlast, Sick Jacken & Divine Styler Declare War Alongside B-Real, Vinnie Paz & More (Mixtape)

Long before Everlast made the whole world hear and feel "What It's Like," he was a slick-talking MC. The multi-talented Los Angeles, California resident (by way of New York) found major success with House Of Pain, but his days on wax stem back to the late 1980s, running with Ice-T's... Read more

February 21, 2017 Audio

Venomous2000 Ambushes His Prey With Poisonous Lyricism (Video)

Last month, Passaic, New Jersey's Venomous2000 released his tenth album, Sounds Of The Great Ones with Trilian. That LP features decorated veterans such as Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck, Cella Dwellas, and The Artifacts, among others. A vet in his own right, Venomous2000 has been a recent guest artist on DJ... Read more

February 21, 2017 Ready Or Not

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Elite 8 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 20), Round 2 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, and as of now, has reached its Elite 8 in this... Read more

February 21, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Drake Opens Up For The First Time About Ghostwriting & Forcefully Defends His Pen (Audio)

In 2016, Drake does not often do interviews. The Canadian MC/singer was guarded upon his 2008-2009 entrance into the music industry. With the best-selling Hip-Hop album of 2016 in VIEWS, that wall has apparently only heightened. Drake typically addresses his life through lyrics, occasionally social media, and a few limited... Read more

February 20, 2017 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff Wants His New Project To Give You Goosebumps. Listen & Chill. (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff has kept a tight catalog. Outside of his award-winning, multi-platinum work with The Fresh Prince, the Philadelphia DJ/producer launched his Magnificent series, introduced protege MC Dayne Jordan, and played a key role with The Roots, Jill Scott, and others. In a sneak attack of sorts, Jeff releases... Read more

February 17, 2017 Audio, Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. RZA. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 17, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Kxng Crooked Reps For J Dilla On A Freestyle That Breathes New Life Into Hip-Hop (Audio)

Half of Slaughterhouse has been heating up 2017 with a barrage of freestyle displays. As Royce 5'9 has smashed Mondays by tackling several popular Rap tracks du jour, Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I) has been putting in work on more esoteric tracks. In a month that honors J Dilla's life... Read more

February 16, 2017 Audio

Finding The GOAT Producer: A Tribe Called Quest vs. Timbaland. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 16, 2017 Finding the GOAT

CyHi The Prynce Imagines What Would Happen If America’s Black Talent Moved To Africa (Video)

CyHi The Prynce has waited a long time to release his debut album. Like many lyricists, the Atlanta, Georgia native's mixtape catalog is as strong as many of his peers' for-sale works. After releasing the first single "Legend" earlier this month, the G.O.O.D. Music MC follows with "Nu Africa." This... Read more

February 16, 2017 Audio

Johnny Gill Reveals What Was True & False About The New Edition Story (Video)

Singer Johnny Gill joined New Edition in 1987, following the Boston band's firing of Bobby Brown. The Washington, D.C. native who had two solo albums and a collabo with Stacy Lattisaw out prior to 1988's Heartbreak was recently portrayed in The New Edition Story. Part of the group ever since... Read more

February 16, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Erick Sermon vs. DJ Quik. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 15, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Token’s Rhymes Are So Sick He’s Even Killing Himself (Video)

Last year, Salem, Massachusetts MC Token released his debut mixtape, Eraser Shavings. Including production by Nottz and Clinton Sparks, the LP was a dazzling display of lyrics, fierce flows, and clever concepts from the realities of a teenage MC documenting the world around him. Since that release, Token's skills have... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

CeeLo Green Wants Beyoncé & He’s Not Afraid To Say It (Video)

Taking risks is a big part of CeeLo Green's career. Coming from Goodie Mob, the Georgia MC/singer explored acapella poetry, Spoken Word, Jazz, and fully formed ballads on his self-titled debut in 2002. In the years since, the Dungeon Family alum won big when he formed Gnarls Barkley with Dangermouse.... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

Eric Biddines Climbs Mountains In This Video. Does This MC’s Single Pique Your Interest?

Florida's Eric Biddines makes his influences of Outkast, UGK, and Goodie Mob clear in his music. This MC uses his southern cadence, regional dialect, and warm weather lifestyle in his songs to his advantage. The single "Peeuurrnn" is derived off of a J.B. Smoove stand-up comedy routine. Leaving haters, crabs,... Read more

February 14, 2017 Ready Or Not

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Premier vs. Rick Rubin. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 14, 2017 Finding the GOAT

After Seeing Rob Base’s Hit Covered, Your Old Droog Wants To Rock Right Now (Audio)

UPDATE: The music video of "Help" by Your Old Droog & Wiki, featuring Edan: The original February 13 post: During the Grammy airing, a new advertisement campaign brought Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's 1988 hit "It Takes Two" back into the light, sort of. Lil Yachty and Carly Rae... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio, Video

The Pharcyde’s Fatlip Says He’s All The Way Back & Shows It (Video)

Last year, founding Pharcyde member Fatlip worked with Edo. G and producer Tone Spliff on video single "Playtime Over." 'Lip and Tone keep that chemistry strong going into the soulful "For You." This track features two Madlib collaborators in Percee P as well as Strong Arm Steady/Likwit Crew member Phil... Read more

February 13, 2017 Video

The Inside Story Of How Bruno Mars & The Time United To Celebrate Prince

During last night's (February 12) 59th Grammy Awards, one of the most impactful voices in music history was honored. Prince, who died in late April of last night, was celebrated through a tribute by one of his closest collaborators, and a contemporary Pop superstar that he has greatly influenced. The... Read more

February 13, 2017 Fresh

Finding The GOAT Producer: Dr. Dre vs Puff Daddy & The Hitmen. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 13, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Jay Z & Beyonce Celebrate Their Lives, Catalogs & Shining Trophy Cases (Audio)

Just hours after Beyoncé's artful Grammy performance Sunday night (February 12), she releases new music alongside husband Jay Z, and Roc Nation's DJ Khaled. All three attended the 59th Grammy Awards, with the Carters (accompanied by Blue Ivy, Beyonce's mother, and Jay's longtime right-hand Ty Ty) were in the front... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest Resist For ALL OF US At The Grammys (Video)

Nearly 20 years after their latest Grammy nomination, A Tribe Called Quest took the stage tonight (February 12). While their 2016 release of We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service is not eligible for awards at the 59th Grammys, tonight's showcase may be a preview for 2018.... Read more

February 12, 2017 Video

Erykah Badu Discusses The Making Of Baduizm On Its 20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago today (February 11, 1997) Erykah Badu opened the doors to her musical house of worship. Baduizm was a way of life, an inviting presentation of Soul music that stood apart from most of what was out there. Despite its refusal to conform to a very formulaic time... Read more

February 11, 2017 Throwback

ScHoolboy Q Thinks The Grammys Shade Gangsta Rap. He Details Next Album (Audio)

This weekend, the 59th Grammy Awards will take place. The Sunday affair promises an on-stage collaboration between Q-Tip and Anderson .Paak and a host of high-profile Hip-Hop stars in attendance at Los Angeles, California's Staples Center. Even though the arena is just a few miles away from where ScHoolboy Q... Read more

February 10, 2017 Audio

20 Years Ago This Week, Wu-Tang Clan Bombed Atomically In A Rap Triumph (Video)

1997 was an interesting year for Hip-Hop music. Death Row Records, coming off of an empirical reign, had fallen, and fast. Tupac Shakur was dead. And while Makaveli and Snoop Dogg's Tha Doggfather dominated the charts, Tha Row's two founders were not anywhere close to the label's steering wheel. Dr.... Read more

February 9, 2017 Do Remember

Finding The GOAT Producer: Just Blaze vs. Kanye West. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 9, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Jim Jones Gets Teary Detailing His Sacrifices For Cam’ron & Dipset (Video)

Yesterday (February 8), it was announced that Jim Jones signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. The same night, the Bronx, New York native and onetime The Diplomats mainstay appeared on Funkmaster Flex's show. There, Jim sat for more than an hour, and cleared the table on his frustrations with Cam'ron—a... Read more

February 9, 2017 Video

Main Source Are Joined By Pete Rock, Just Blaze & More For Their 25-Year Reunion (Video)

Last week (February 1), the founding three members of Hip-Hop group Main Source performed together for the first time in more than 25 years. Large Professor, as well as John Browne high school classmate, K-Cut, plus guest DJ Rashad Smith (of Bad Boy Records fame) blessed Lower Manhattan's S.O.B.'s stages... Read more

February 8, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. D.I.T.C. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 8, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Foe Turned Friend. Jay Z Signs Jim Jones To Roc Nation.

At the height of Roc-A-Fella Records, a number of interviews have suggested that co-founder Jay Z was not always thrilled with Cam'ron and The Diplomats. From Dame Dash's impromptu promotion of childhood friend Cam' to label VP, to reports of wrongly parked cars in the mogul's designated spot, to reportedly... Read more

February 8, 2017 News

For Those Feenin’ For More R&B Biopics… The Story Of Jodeci Is Coming (Video)

In the last month, New Edition's biopic set ratings records during its three-night television mini-series. The New Edition Story aired on BET, and told the story of Bobby Brown, Michael Bivens, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and later member Johnny Gill with the group functioning as producers. The event... Read more

February 7, 2017 TV, TV/Film, Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Madlib. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 7, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Sweet 16 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 5), Round 1 voting closed for "Finding The GOAT Producer." That round, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). As of today's tiebreaker between Organized Noize vs. Erick Sermon (which was within less than 1% when the polls closed),... Read more

February 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT

48 Laws Shows That Dreamville’s Omen Is Patient But Powerful (Video)

J. Cole has proven that patience pays off. The MC/producer has collected his props with four consecutive #1 albums, following years of cultivating a small following into a multi-platinum empire. Cole has built Dreamville around artists who can relate. One such act is Omen. The Chicago, Illinois native is a... Read more

February 6, 2017 Video

New Edition’s Story Of Growth & Evolution Is Told Through This Mister Cee Mix

Last month, New Edition was the talk of television, thanks to a three-night film chronicling their beginnings, meteoric rise, and current state of the group. In conjunction with The New Edition Story, an offshoot of the group, Bell Biv DeVoe also released their first album in more than 15 years.... Read more

February 5, 2017 Audio, Mixes

J.U.I.C.E. Defeated Eminem In One Of Rap’s Greatest Battles. He Offers A Rematch (Audio)

In 1997, at Cincinnati, Ohio's annual Scribble Jam Festival, Eminem and MC J.U.I.C.E. faced off in what is often considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest battles. At the time, the two Midwestern lyricists were both independent artists looking for a title, and some shine to boot. J.U.I.C.E., the Chicago, Illinois native... Read more

February 3, 2017 Audio

Finding The GOAT Producer: Dr. Dre vs. DJ Muggs. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

February 3, 2017 Finding the GOAT

50 Cent Pays More Than $22 Million To Close Bankruptcy 3 Years Early

In July of 2015, 50 Cent filed for bankruptcy. It was a surprising headline for many, given Curtis Jackson's meteoric 2000s rise as a rapper and businessman. Despite his stake in electronics, a Starz network series, a record label, line of spirits, and previous investment in soft drinks, 50 Cent... Read more

February 3, 2017 News

Cash Money Records Vows To Release 500 Songs From The Vault

In the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, record labels could largely control what fans heard. Music was recorded, and the best of it...according to artist, producer, or label A&R, anyway... is what the public received in stores or online. Even if a project was promoted through an interview, advertised in... Read more

February 2, 2017 News

Wale Uses Groundhog Day To Show J. Cole He Walks In No One’s Shadow (Video)

In the closing days of 2016, J. Cole shocked the Hip-Hop stratosphere with his song "False Prophets (Be Like This)." While not included in the final cut of 4 Your Eyez Only, the music video did first appear in the album's corresponding documentary. Within, the Roc Nation star, approaching his... Read more

February 2, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Alchemist vs. Mannie Fresh. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

February 2, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Blahzay Blahzay Still Sounds Great From The East…To The West (Video)

In 1996, Hip-Hop was in the middle of a shift, especially in New York City. The rugged, construction boot days were yielding to the shiny suits. Just as the Big Apple's reigning Rap star The Notorious B.I.G. had transformed from an "Unbelievable" entrance to a "Get Money" mantra involving Cristal,... Read more

February 2, 2017 Do Remember

Alchemist & DJ Muggs Win The Wild Card Battle To Join Finding The GOAT Producer

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series, features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots have been reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving beat... Read more

February 1, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Beyonce & Jay Z Are Expecting Twins As Music’s Royal Family Expands

Beyoncé and Jay Z's 14-plus-year journey together has been something that music fans have watched transpire and develop, in real-time. Dating back to their early 2002 courtship, both music giants were guarded about the details of their private life. Their 2008 wedding was a testament to that. Eventually bringing that... Read more

February 1, 2017 News

Nas To Executive Produce “Street Dreams” Biographical Television Series

Approaching 21 years after he made his second album, It Was Written with top single "Street Dreams," these titles remain powerful statements in the life and career of Nas. After production and writing involvement in recent Netflix series The Get Down as well as film The Land (and its corresponding... Read more

February 1, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film

Finding The GOAT Producer. Which 2 Should Join The Top 30?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series, features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots have been reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving beat... Read more

January 31, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Roxanne’s Revenge: Roxanne Shanté’s Biopic Causes A Bidding War

More than one week ago (January 22), the biopic of MC Roxanne Shanté, Roxanne Roxanne, screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Produced by Shanté, Pharrell Williams, and Forest Whitaker, the film starring Mahershala Ali and Nia Long traces the story of the prodigious Juice Crew member born Lolita Gooden, and her... Read more

January 31, 2017 News, TV/Film