Bandini

The Coup’s Pam The Funkstress Explains Working With Prince On Tour

Although she may not be a household name, Pam The Funkstress is one of Hip-Hop's most acclaimed female DJs. Since 1993's Kill My Landlord, the San Mateo, California native has been riding alongside Boots Riley as one of the steadfast members of Oakland's 20-plus-year political Rap outfit The Coup. From... Read more

April 16, 2016 Fresh

Open The Book On J Dilla’s Last Vocal LP, “The Diary” (Album Stream)

Today (April 15) marks the true release of J Dilla's The Diary album. First recorded and plotted in 2001 and 2002, the project was then shelved by MCA Records. Seeing the album properly delivered to fans was a top priority of James Yancey at the time of his 2006 death.... Read more

April 15, 2016 Audio

Black Thought Fronts A Funky Track That Uses Blues To Motivate (Audio)

The Roots' Black Thought does not do a ton of features, relatively speaking. However, in recent years, when the South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC puts his vocals on something beyond the circle, he does not seem to play politics. From Thurz ("Riot") to L.A. The Darkman ("Rap Poloticians"), Tariq supports what... Read more

April 15, 2016 Audio

Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Adrian Younge To Score Marvel Series

Hip-Hop artists are having a strong year already in 2016, in terms of scoring and music supervision. In January, Gang Starr's DJ Premier handled the music to VH1 film-turned-series The Breaks. The Roots' Questlove has been named musical director of this year's forthcoming TV remake of Roots. The ever-illusive Dr.... Read more

April 14, 2016 News

Robert Glasper & Bilal Re-Interpret Miles Davis’ “The Ghetto Walk” (Video)

Last month, Robert Glasper unveiled the first audio glimpse of his Everything’s Beautiful album (May 27). The Jazz musician is bridging the generations on an album inspired by and featuring some works by the late Miles Davis. In a season that looks at the trumpeter's life and times, courtesy of Don... Read more

April 13, 2016 Video

Elzhi Freestyles Off The Top Of The Head To A J Dilla Donut (Video)

With his sophomore studio album Lead Poison now released, Elzhi is the latest guest on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays radio show. There, the Detroit, Michigan MC veteran was not immune to the hot seat. He tackles two beats. Fans of Motown music will particularly enjoy El' buckling down on Dilla's... Read more

April 12, 2016 Video

Action Bronson’s Latest Is A Blue Chip Off Of Biggie & Super Cat’s Block (Audio)

Action Bronson has garnered some of the strongest acclaim of his career through the Blue Chips mixtape series with Party Supplies. Some of that same chemistry made its way onto 2015's Mr. Wonderful, with Bam Bam and the Fool's Gold Records production team creating four of the Top 10 LP's... Read more

April 12, 2016 Audio, The Bridge

Common Still Loves H.E.R. Watch Him Breakdance While The Roots Play (Video)

During The Electric Circus and Like Water For Chocolate tours, it was not uncommon to see Common Sense bust out some B-Boy moves during his sets. That was 15 years ago though, and also well before the Chicago, Illinois MC/actor won Oscars and Golden Globes. Now a household name, juggling... Read more

April 12, 2016 Video

Erykah Badu Sings “On & On” During A High School Lunch Period (Video)

Erykah Badu loves avant-garde art. Whether she's video-bombing a news reporter, making beautifully controversial music videos, or blend-covering newly-released Kanye West with Whodini, it is always an experience. Ms. Badu recently popped into Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, New Jersey as part of the Dream Directors from the... Read more

April 11, 2016 Video

KRS-One Makes A Soulful Phife Dawg Tribute & Invites All To Join (Audio)

KRS-One was among the litany of artists on hand last week (April 5) for the Phife Dawg memorial at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Now, the MC who was featured on the cover of A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders album makes a song dedication to Malik Taylor, with a call to... Read more

April 10, 2016 Audio

C.L. Smooth’s Latest Song Shows He Is Still A Rap King (Audio)

While Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are back in the studio in this young 2016, the New Rochelle half of the highly respected duo pushes on with some solo material. "King" finds C.L. Smooth celebrating his knack for making songs for the ladies, earning a nice living, and cruising the... Read more

April 10, 2016 Audio

Afrika Bambaataa Attorney Releases Statement Denying Accusations

UPDATE: Afrika Bambaataa's attorney, Vivian K. Tozaki, has released an April 8 statement on behalf of her client, the Hip-Hop pioneer born Kevin Donovan: "Recently, defamatory statements were published seeking to harm my client's reputation so as to lower him in the estimation of the community while deterring others from... Read more

April 10, 2016 News

N.W.A. Will Not Perform At Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction

Tonight (April 8), N.W.A. will be inducted into Cleveland, Ohio's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Ice Cube has announced that they will not perform. "Nah, we’re not performing," Ice Cube told The New York Times. "I guess we really didn’t feel like we were supported enough to do the... Read more

April 8, 2016 News

MC Shan Spits 4 Minutes Of Battle Bars With Shots Aimed Directly At KRS-One’s Head (Audio)

One week ago (April 1), MC Shan appeared on the Murder Master Music Show. The Queens, New York MC veteran vehemently denied the history that he ever lost a battle to KRS-One. First referring to Kris as "my man," the Juice Crew MC explained why the "Bridge Wars" battles with... Read more

April 8, 2016 Audio

Like J Dilla, Blu & Miguel Proved To Be Diamonds In The Rough (Audio)

More than 10 years since the game-changing producer/MC passed away, J Dilla's music is living strong in 2016. Next week, Dilla's family will release an album he worked on for many years in the early 2000s, The Diary. In May, Dilla's family will re-release another title from his beloved discography.... Read more

April 6, 2016 Audio

It Ain’t Hard To Tell… Nas’ Illmatic Is Decidedly Your Greatest Of All-Time Hip-Hop Album

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

April 6, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Lupe Fiasco, Big K.R.I.T. & Dee-1 Come Together To Be Real, Righteous & Relevant (Audio)

New Orleans, Louisiana MC Dee-1 has been grinding for years. Now backed by RCA Records, Dee has a knack for making music that knocks in the headphones and trunks, but still packs tremendous fodder for the mind. Fresh off of his club-tinged student loan-inspired "Sallie Mae Back" (a play on... Read more

April 6, 2016 Audio

Nas, Fabolous & Talib Kweli Among 2016 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Performers

2016's 12th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival will celebrate some of the great artists from and around the New York City borough. The July 16 concert (with other festivities beginning on July 13) will take place at the scenic Brooklyn Bridge Park. This year's headliners include Queens' Nas, as well as... Read more

April 5, 2016 News

Token Gets His Big Shot & Freestyles Like His Life Depends On It (Video)

On Friday (April 1), Salem, Massachusetts' Token was a guest on the Sway In The Morning Show. There was no fooling when the 17 year-old MC introduced himself with a few words about his 12 years of rhyming. At the 7:00 mark, the MC stands up and quite literally, delivers:... Read more

April 4, 2016 Video

Kxng Crooked Tears Into A Statik Selektah Soul Creation (Audio)

Statik Kxng was more than just a one-off for Kxng Crooked (p/k/a Crooked I) and Statik Selektah. The Showoff Records/Penalty Entertainment, Long Beach-to-Brooklyn duo exists beyond their early 2016 10-track EP. "Street Music" appears on Mike Epps' forthcoming Meet The Blacks soundtrack, but stands taller than a typical peel-away track.... Read more

April 4, 2016 Audio

Q-Tip Remembers Phife Dawg As His “Hero” In A Heartfelt Statement

Besides a formal statement from A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip remained publicly silent for more than a week after the March 22 death of friend and band-mate Phife Dawg. On social media yesterday (April 3), the accomplished MC, producer and Kennedy Center director spoke about Malik Taylor. The message about... Read more

April 4, 2016 Fresh

From Slaughterhouses To Junk Yards, Joell Ortiz’s Lyrics Wreck Shop (Video)

Joell Ortiz is a product of his environment. The pride of Brooklyn, New York's Cooper Houses has rhymed about bodegas, fistfights, and a litany of tight situations. With his Timberlands laced up, the Slaughterhouse MC loves maintaining that 1980s and 1990s reputation when the Big Apple wasn't so sweet, and... Read more

April 4, 2016 Video

The Final Battle: Nas’ Illmatic vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

April 4, 2016 Finding the GOAT

KRS-One Sounds Off On Da Police As Swizz Beatz Nods To B.D.P. (Audio)

KRS-One proves to be the perfect MC for Swizz Beatz' massive remix for "Jason." The 2015 video single which originally featured Jadakiss gets Boogie Down Productions' "The Bridge Is Over" percussion, and a fiery Blastmasta Kris taking on the crimes of the police department in the 2010s. The MC who... Read more

April 4, 2016 Audio

G-Eazy Confirms Mac Dre Hologram Planned For Coachella Set (Video)

Technology and Hip-Hop concerts have merged to a new level over the last five years. At 2012's Coachella festival, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg brought a CGI portrayal of Tupac Shakur to their stage set. Popularly referred to as a "hologram," the imaging was created by Digital Domain and AV... Read more

April 3, 2016 Video

J Dilla’s Love For West Coast Rap Shines Alongside Snoop & Kokane (Audio)

Before J Dilla started working on his MCA Records debut known as The Diary, Slum Village had found great success with Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 2. While the LP memorably connected Jay Dee, Baatin, and T3 with the sounds of Q-Tip, D'Angelo, and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kurupt was also a sought out... Read more

April 3, 2016 Audio

MC Shan Challenges KRS-One To Settle The Bridge Wars Once & For All…With A Battle (Audio)

In the late 1980s, the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions were involved in one of Hip-Hop's most legendary battles. KRS-One and Scott La Rock released records dissing Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, Roxanne Shante, and MC Shan, among others. However, nearly 30 years later, MC Shan refutes the history that... Read more

April 2, 2016 Audio, News

MC Eiht & Spice 1 Supply More West Coast Heat Over An Alchemist Beat (Audio)

While Spice 1 and MC Eiht have released multiple albums together, they had never worked as a unit with producer Alchemist. Earlier this week, Spice joined the stars of Compton's Most Wanted and Gangrene for "Any Means," a limited edition (500 pressings) 7" release. But like so many 45's, there... Read more

April 1, 2016 Audio

Terrace Martin’s Intricate “Portraits” Blend Jazz, Soul & Hip-Hop (Album Stream)

Terrace Martin is a musical purist. The longtime producer for Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and YG makes many of his projects easily accessible to listeners looking to check out the brass musician and producer. His latest album, Velvet Portraits, is no exception. Featuring Lalah Hathaway, Thundercat, Robert Glasper and more,... Read more

April 1, 2016 Audio

Action Bronson Removed From College Concert Lineup Due To Misogynistic & Homophobic Lyrics

This week, Queens, New York MC Action Bronson was removed from an April 2 concert lineup at George Washington University. Washington, D.C. university students gathered a reported 249 signatures in a Change.org petition to convince organizers, George Washington's Program Board, to cancel Bronson's appearance due to his song lyrics promoting... Read more

April 1, 2016 News

Nas’ Illmatic vs. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders. Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

April 1, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Token Says He IS The Underground And He Has The Bars To Prove It (Video)

In less than one year, Token has become of the most exciting unsigned artists in Hip-Hop. In March, he was prominently featured alongside Joell Ortiz in the That's Hip-Hop album with Domingo. There, Toke' represented a delegate of the new school MCs who is taking the craft of rapping, and... Read more

April 1, 2016 Video

Phonte & 9th Wonder Reunite On A Robert Glasper Tribute To Miles Davis (Audio)

Robert Glasper's interpretive Miles Davis tribute Everything's Beautiful is just under two months away. The May 27 album already unveiled its first single, the Bilal-featuring "Ghetto Walkin'." Now, "Violets" applies elements of Miles' 1959 Kind Of Blue ("Blue In Green") and delightfully bends it to fit Phonte's narrative in "Violets."... Read more

April 1, 2016 Audio

Jamila Woods Stands Out. She Powerfully Blames Ego For Killing Romance (Audio)

Jamila Woods has been making noise for years. The Chicago, Illinois singer (and poet/writer) has been working with the likes of Donnie Trumpet & Social Experiment as well as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Now, the Closed Sessions artist helps light a path for her label-mate Kweku Collins in "Ego Killed... Read more

March 31, 2016 Audio

Ice Cube & Common’s Touted Collabo Gives History A Shape-Up (Video)

Common and Ice Cube released "Real People" one week ago. Twenty years after their bitter Rap beef, the pair uses their co-starring position in Barbershop: The Next Cut to step beyond the issue. The song's verses play on each others' lines and names, the very same way these two went... Read more

March 31, 2016 Video

Miilkbone Kept It Real With Something Big L, Jay Z & Logic Could Feel (Video)

Perth Amboy, New Jersey's claim to Hip-Hop fame lies in Miilkbone. Fans of 1990s Hip-Hop may recall the Naughty By Nature affiliate for his Capitol Records debut, Da' Miilkrate. With production by N.B.N.'s KayGee as well as Nick Wiz (Cella Dwellas, Rakim, Skillz), the major label album struck the Rap... Read more

March 31, 2016 Do Remember

Afrika Bambaataa Accused Of Molestation By Bronx Politician

Afrika Bambaataa is one of Hip-Hop's pioneers. The 58 year-old Bronx, New Yorker born Kevin Donovan is credited with co-founding the Universal Zulu Nation in 1973. In the 43 years since, Afrika Bambaataa has made hit Hip-Hop records such as 1982's "Planet Rock" (with the Soulsonic Force), he has spoken... Read more

March 31, 2016 News

Rittz, MJG & Devin The Dude Are 3 Southern Lyricists That Buck The Trends (Audio)

At a time when Greater Atlanta is producing some of the biggest stars in Hip-Hop, it can be difficult to know where exactly Rittz fits in. The Strange Music artist and longtime Yelawolf affiliate may not have much in common with the sounds and styles of his peers, but he... Read more

March 30, 2016 Audio

Sticks & Stones Will Not Stop Big K.R.I.T. From Winning (Audio)

One week ago (March 25), Big K.R.I.T. was the latest contestant of Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette game. While past producer/MCs have taken the challenge of blindly selecting three records from a store (Erick Sermon, El-P, Large Professor, to name a few of the most esteemed), Krizzle would break new ground.... Read more

March 30, 2016 Audio

Biggie’s Ready To Die vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang. Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

March 30, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Joey Bada$$ Makes The 5 Fingers Of Death Freestyle Into A Fist & Puts It On Troy Ave (Video)

It has been a big month for Brooklyn, New York Hip-Hop. After 2015 saw albums by Joey Bada$$ (B4.Da.$$) and Troy Ave (Major Without A Deal), the men began a social media back-and-forth regarding sales versus status that soon escalated. Last month (February 29), Troy brought the late Capital STEEZ... Read more

March 29, 2016 Video

Here Are The Final 4 Greatest Of All-Time Hip-Hop Albums, As Decided By You

In September of 2015, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with... Read more

March 29, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Big Boi & Killer Mike Conjure Up Some Of That Dungeon Family Magic On “Born To Shine” (Video)

Late last year, Big Grams (Big Boi + Phantogram) released their self-titled debut EP. The major label hybrid featured two guests: Skrillex and Run The Jewels. One half of R.T.J. is Killer Mike, who 15 years ago, burst on the scene as one of the strongest branches of the Dungeon... Read more

March 28, 2016 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Returns To Soul-Sampling & Songs About Pushing Through (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. made a name and a lane for himself making songs about defying the odds. The "third coast representing" MC/producer tackled the tall walls of the music industry on early mixtapes like KRITWuzHere and Return Of 4eva before becoming a Def Jam Records-backed major label artist. Despite two charting... Read more

March 28, 2016 Audio

Faith Evans Is Working On A Duets Album Featuring Vocals Of Her & Biggie (Audio)

The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans were husband and wife, parents, Bad Boy Records label-mates and collaborators together. Married for just two-and-a-half years before Biggie's 1997 murder, Evans would appear on "One More Chance," in addition to B.I.G. tribute song, "I'll Be Missing You." Approaching 20 years since the unsolved... Read more

March 28, 2016 Audio, News

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions vs. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders. Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

March 28, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Witness The Greatness Of Run-DMC With This Rare 1985 Concert (Video)

On this day in 1984 (March 27), Run-D.M.C. released their seminal debut eponymous album. In the canon of game-changing Hip-Hop albums, that album is one of the first, and possibly the biggest. Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay synthesized the hardness they heard in the genre's pioneers, and adapted it... Read more

March 27, 2016 Throwback

Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full vs. Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

March 25, 2016 Finding the GOAT

A$AP Ferg & ScHoolboy Q Flash Back To 1996 With O.D.B.’s Son (Video)

A$AP Ferg just premiered his Always Strive And Prosper (April 22) single, "Let It Bang." Assisted by ScHoolboy Q, the song examines the ruggedness within both MC's families, and how addiction, incarceration, and the wild life were impressed upon Ferg and Quincy at a ripe, young age. Less than 24... Read more

March 25, 2016 Video

Dr. Dre’s The Chronic vs. The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die. Which Is Better?

Last September, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: what is the greatest Rap Album Of All-Time? “Finding The GOAT Album” has considered more than 120 albums from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (40 in each), with options for... Read more

March 24, 2016 Finding the GOAT